Overview
EN ISO 21487:2023 (identical to ISO 21487:2022) defines requirements for the design, installation and testing of permanently installed petrol and diesel fuel tanks for small craft. Prepared by ISO/TC 188 in collaboration with CEN/TC 464 and endorsed as a European Standard, it replaces the 2012 edition and supports conformity to EU Directive 2013/53/EU where applicable. The standard focuses on safety, durability and environmental performance of fuel tanks and related fixed fuel system components on boats and small vessels.
Key topics and technical requirements
The standard addresses practical and technical areas including:
- Scope and definitions - applicability to permanently installed tanks for internal combustion engines in small craft.
- General properties - material compatibility, resistance to liquids, and rules for copper‑based alloys.
- Tank provisions and installation - mechanical fixing (non‑integral and integral), ventilation of petrol tank spaces, separation from living quarters, and routing of fuel lines and hoses.
- Design requirements - construction principles for petrol and diesel tanks (including metallic and non‑metallic options).
- Type tests - mandatory testing regimes for verification:
- Leakage tests and pressure/strength tests
- Pressure‑impulse tests (for petrol tanks)
- Fire‑resistance tests for non‑metallic tanks, both standalone and as installed
- Annex A (informative) - permeation testing to measure evaporative emissions from non‑metallic petrol tanks and support future environmental controls.
- Marking and documentation - requirements for traceability and compliance information.
Applications and users
EN ISO 21487:2023 is intended for professionals involved in the lifecycle of small craft fuel systems:
- Boat designers and naval architects - to specify compliant fuel tank designs.
- Marine equipment manufacturers and fabricators - for materials selection, construction and factory testing.
- Boatbuilders and installers - to ensure safe installation, ventilation and separation practices on board.
- Certification bodies, surveyors and test laboratories - to perform prescribed type tests and verify conformity.
- Regulatory authorities and fleet operators - to demonstrate compliance with EU Directive 2013/53/EU and to control evaporative emissions.
Practical benefits include improved fire safety, reduced leaking and permeation risks, better environmental performance, and a clear pathway to regulatory conformity and CE-related requirements.
Related standards
Normative and associated documents referenced include:
- ISO 10088 - Small craft permanently installed fuel systems
- ISO 12215‑5 and ISO 12215‑6 - Hull construction and scantlings (relevant for installation and structural arrangements)
Keywords: EN ISO 21487:2023, ISO 21487:2022, small craft fuel tanks, petrol and diesel tanks, fuel tank design, fuel tank testing, permeation testing, fire‑resistance, marine fuel system installation.
