Overview
ISO 24452:2023 - Ships and marine technology - Personal and group survival kit for use in polar water - specifies design, performance and use of items that make up personal survival kits (PSK) and group survival kits (GSK) for vessels operating in polar waters. The standard complements IMO requirements (SOLAS Chapter XIV and the Polar Code) by defining minimum requirements and guidance intended to increase survival chances, shorten search duration, and support self‑rescue in extreme cold and polar environments.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and compliance: Aligns with SOLAS (1974) amendments, IMO Polar Code (MSC.385(94), MEPC.264(68)) and IMO guidance (MSC.1/Circ.1614).
- Design & performance principles: Specifies general rationale, goals and thermal-resistance considerations - primarily assuming thermal equilibrium is maintained by passive insulation; active heating is allowed if proved reliable and maintained.
- Personal survival kit (PSK) contents: Protective clothing (hat, gloves, socks, face/neck protection), skin-protection cream, thermal protective aids, eye protection (goggles), whistle, drinking mug, multi-tool, emergency food and water, carrier bag and optional extras (immersion suits, heating packs, towels).
- Group survival kit (GSK) contents: Shelter requirements (including lifeboat/liferaft considerations), thermal protection, sleeping bags/blankets, water/ice/ground insulation, shovels, sanitation, stove and fuel, torches, waterproof matches, whistles, signal mirrors, spare personal equipment, wildlife deterrents and SOLAS‑required appliances.
- Operational guidance: Format of instructional materials, maintenance, inspection and periodic servicing requirements to ensure kit reliability in polar conditions.
- Referenced test and design standards: Cites related methods and standards for thermal insulation, clothing, flotation accessories and performance testing.
Practical applications - who uses this standard
- Shipowners and operators conducting polar-risk assessments to determine PSK/GSK numbers and specifications.
- Naval architects and equipment manufacturers designing survival kits, shelters and associated accessories for polar service.
- Ship safety officers and procurement teams specifying compliant kits and ensuring inspection/maintenance regimes.
- Flag administrations, inspectors and surveyors verifying compliance with SOLAS and Polar Code requirements.
- Polar expedition leaders and offshore operators adopting best practices for crew and passenger survival preparedness.
Related standards
- IMO Polar Code (MSC.385(94)), SOLAS Chapter XIV (MSC.386(94))
- IMO MSC.1/Circ.1614 (Guidelines for polar life‑saving appliances)
- ISO 12402-8 (PFD accessories), ISO 23537-1:2022 (sleeping bags), and other cited test standards
Keywords: ISO 24452:2023, personal survival kit, group survival kit, polar water, Polar Code, SOLAS, ships and marine technology, survival equipment, PSK, GSK.
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