Overview
ISO 9650-1:2022 - Small craft - Inflatable liferafts - Part 1: Type 1 and type 2 is an international standard that defines minimum design, performance, marking and test requirements for inflatable liferafts intended for recreational and other small craft. It applies to liferafts with a carrying capacity of 4 to 16 persons, for craft with a hull length up to 24 m, and for overboard launching heights ≤ 6 m. This second edition merges previous parts, updates test requirements and introduces a float‑free launching option.
Key topics and technical requirements
The standard addresses both product design and acceptance testing. Major technical topics include:
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Types and operational limits
- Type 1: for extended voyages where high winds and significant waves can be encountered (excluding extreme zones).
- Type 2: for conditions up to 2 m significant wave height and wind up to Beaufort force 6; ambient air temperature above 10 °C.
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Liferaft structure
- Minimum structural elements: at least two independent buoyancy chambers, an insulated or inflatable floor, canopy and canopy support, and stabilization means.
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Inflation system
- Requirements for an initial inflation system and a manual back‑up inflation system; reference to gas inflation system standards.
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Fittings and equipment
- Mandatory fittings such as external lighting, painter/mooring lines and attachment points, internal/external lifelines, righting system, boarding aids, sea anchor, rescue quoit and line, safety knife, and protective outer container.
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Performance & habitability
- Requirements for buoyancy, stability, righting, boarding, visibility to rescuers, and habitability (canopy, drainage, access).
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Marking, instructions & packaging
- Enhanced requirements for product marking, user instructions, and packaging to support safe stowage, servicing and operation.
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Testing (Clause 6)
- Prototype, manufacturing and servicing tests including: launch/drop test; inflation tests (ambient, high and low temperature); righting; boarding; towing with sea anchor; pressure tests for buoyancy chambers and inflatable floors; canopy watertightness; lights and batteries; float‑free buoyancy and visual inspections.
Practical applications and users
ISO 9650-1:2022 is intended for:
- Liferaft manufacturers and designers developing inflatable liferafts for small craft.
- Test houses, conformity assessment bodies and shipyards performing type approval, prototype and routine testing.
- Retailers and purchasers of safety equipment for recreational boats and small commercial craft selecting appropriate liferafts.
- Marine safety officers, surveyors and servicing organizations carrying out maintenance, servicing and repairs in accordance with the standard.
Note: This standard is for small‑craft liferafts and does not replace SOLAS requirements for shipboard liferafts.
Related standards
- ISO 15738 - Gas inflation systems for life‑saving appliances
- ISO 17339 - Sea anchors for survival craft and rescue boats
- ISO 12402 (series) - Personal flotation devices
- IMO SOLAS Chapter III and the LSA Code (for reference/comparison)
