A Practical Guide to Essential Shipbuilding Standards for Marine Structures

Modern shipbuilding and the development of marine structures are undergoing profound transformation. Not only are manufacturers and operators challenged by ever-stricter safety, environmental, and quality demands, but they are also navigating the integration of advanced automation, digitalization, and AI-driven technologies. International standards are the bedrock of this transition, offering universally recognized frameworks that ensure best practices, regulatory compliance, and operational innovation.

Today, we spotlight four pivotal international standards in shipbuilding and marine technology. These standards shape the foundations of safer, more efficient, and sustainable maritime operations, covering critical topics from anti-fouling paint efficacy to hardware robustness and the maintenance and use of vital safety ladders. Whether you’re a shipowner, operator, shipbuilder, or work in a supporting marine technology field, understanding and applying these standards is not just beneficial—it’s imperative to scaling productivity, enhancing security, and staying competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.

Overview / Introduction

The shipbuilding sector—and the broader field of marine structures—relies heavily on a framework of formalized standards to meet the demands for safety, sustainability, durability, and efficiency. As the industry faces increasing complexity, from stricter environmental controls to the deployment of AI and sophisticated digital management systems on ships, the need for universally recognized benchmarks has never been more acute.

International standards ensure that equipment and procedures meet stringent requirements, making them essential tools for:

• Reducing operational risks and accidents
• Increasing productivity and reliability
• Enhancing compliance with international regulations
• Supporting interoperability and integration across fleets and systems
• Driving cost-efficiency and sustainable practices

Implementing these standards helps companies not only meet legal obligations but also excel in a competitive global market where innovation and proven methods intersect.

In this article, you will get a clear, practical understanding of four key standards that are shaping the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of shipbuilding and marine structures. We’ll break down what each standard requires, who needs to comply, and how these standards enable scalable solutions in a digital-first maritime era.

Detailed Standards Coverage

ISO 21716-2:2020 – Bioassay Methods for Screening Anti-fouling Paints – Part 2: Barnacles

Ships and marine technology – Bioassay methods for screening anti-fouling paints – Part 2: Barnacles

What this standard covers: ISO 21716-2:2020 specifies a laboratory screening method for evaluating the effectiveness of anti-fouling paints using barnacle cyprid larvae as the test organism in a flow-through system. Designed as part of a broader suite (used in conjunction with ISO 21716-1), it focuses on determining if painted test panels inhibit barnacle settlement compared to inert, nontoxic controls under controlled laboratory conditions. Statistical methods, outlined in Annex A, ensure that the differences measured are significant.

Key requirements:

• Use of cyprid larvae of the barnacle Amphibalanus amphitrite (or suitable alternative)
• Preparation of test/control panels and assembly into triangular prisms for testing
• Strict parameters for seawater salinity and test temperature
• Cyprid viability checks and settlement rate calculations
• Multiple test runs for reproducibility
• Full documentation and adherence to statistical protocols

Who needs to comply:

• Paint and coating manufacturers
• Marine research institutions and regulatory bodies
• Shipowners trialing new anti-fouling technologies

Practical implications: Ship operators, R&D labs, and manufacturers can leverage this method for early-stage screening, saving time and resources by identifying promising anti-fouling formulations before expensive in-water trials. As biofouling impairs fuel efficiency and can facilitate the spread of invasive species, this standard also supports compliance with international environmental regulations.

Notable features:

• Reproducible objective laboratory method
• Early-phase screening in research and product development
• Addresses significant operational and environmental risks

Key highlights:

• Systematic assessment using barnacle settlement rates
• Supports R&D and product qualification process
• Enhances compliance with invasive species and fuel efficiency regulations

Access the full standard:View ISO 21716-2:2020 on iTeh Standards

ISO 24045:2021 – Adjustable Roller-type Chain Stoppers

Ships and marine technology – Adjustable roller-type chain stoppers

What this standard covers: ISO 24045:2021 establishes comprehensive requirements for the design, strength, safety, function, and operation of adjustable roller-type chain stoppers—a key element in the anchoring system of seagoing vessels. The standard also covers their structure, materials, acceptance testing, and marking.

Key requirements:

• Designed to withstand loads per ISO 6325 for Class A cable stoppers (80% of nominal breaking load)
• Chain dimensions per ISO 1704 (Grade 3)
• Includes design stress, safety, and anti-accidental release provisions
• Requirements for ergonomic, safe operation and secure locking
• Clear guidelines for structure and material selection
• Procedures for manufacturer acceptance and standardized marking

Who needs to comply:

• Shipyards and vessel manufacturers
• Deck machinery suppliers
• Marine hardware OEMs
• Ship engineers responsible for anchoring systems

Practical implications: Conforming to this standard ensures robust and reliable anchor handling, reducing the risk of hardware failure, chain loss, or onboard accidents. Meeting the specifications also streamlines integration with modern digital ship management systems and supports both manual and automated deck operations, which is increasingly important as ships adopt AI-based monitoring of equipment status.

Notable features:

• Modular, adjustable design for a wide range of chain sizes
• Stringent safety checks to prevent unintended release
• Compliance with international deck machinery terminology

Key highlights:

• Promotes operational safety on deck
• Ensures reliability and compatibility with anchor chains
• Supports manual and automated ship operations

Access the full standard:View ISO 24045:2021 on iTeh Standards

ISO 24136:2021 – Pilot Ladder Winch Reels

Ships and marine technology – Pilot ladder winch reels

What this standard covers: ISO 24136:2021 provides detailed specifications for pilot ladder winch reels equipped with hydraulic, pneumatic, electric, or manual drives. The focus is on design and test requirements, ensuring the equipment used to deploy and retrieve pilot ladders is safe, reliable, and standardized. This standard is specifically aligned for use with pilot ladders conforming to ISO 799-1, not for man-lifting.

Key requirements:

• Design and load capacity specifications for drum, holding, and operational safety
• Conformance to deck machinery vocabulary and IMO assembly resolutions for pilot transfer arrangements
• Requirements for marking, performance, and acceptance testing (operation, drum load, static load)
• On-board inspection guidelines
• Exclusion of prime mover technical details (scope limited to the winch reel itself)

Who needs to comply:

• Shipbuilders and equipment integrators
• Suppliers of deck machinery and safety equipment
• Vessel operators and safety officers

Practical implications: Adhering to this standard ensures pilot ladder winch systems are constructed and maintained to consistent international benchmarks. This reduces the risk of accidents during pilot transfer—a critical, high-risk operation on board—and helps align automated or semi-automated winch systems with current safety best practices. This is especially vital as AI-driven maintenance and inspection tools become commonplace.

Notable features:

• Applicable to various drive types for maximum compatibility
• Strict load and safety requirements
• Seamless integration with ISO 799-1-compliant pilot ladders

Key highlights:

• Reduces risk during pilot transfer operations
• Improves system integration and safety compliance
• Supports automation-ready deck machinery connectivity

Access the full standard:View ISO 24136:2021 on iTeh Standards

ISO 799-2:2021 – Pilot Ladders – Maintenance, Use, Survey, and Inspection

Ships and marine technology – Pilot ladders – Part 2: Maintenance, use, survey, and inspection

What this standard covers: ISO 799-2:2021 addresses the critical post-manufacture phase for pilot ladders, specifying requirements and recommendations for maintenance, use, storage, and inspection. The standard supplements IMO instruments by providing manufacturer guidance, care, inspection checklists, record keeping, and best practices to maximize safety and ladder longevity.

Key requirements:

• Scheduled inspections before/after each use, quarterly (by a senior deck officer), and annually (by class surveyor or flag state)
• Manufacturer-supplied care and maintenance instructions per ISO/IEC Guide 37
• Detailed pre-use and periodic inspection checklists (see Annex A for templates)
• Maintenance protocols for steps, ropes, and securing devices
• Requirements for repair, recertification, and records management
• Guidance for storage and acceptable methods for securing/use

Who needs to comply:

• Ship operators and crew
• Safety officers and maritime safety inspectors
• Manufacturers and suppliers of pilot ladders
• Classification societies and regulators

Practical implications: Ensuring full compliance with this standard not only averts serious safety incidents during embarkation/disembarkation but also prolongs service life for pilot ladders, reduces costly unplanned replacements, and assures easy demonstration of safety discipline during inspections. Supplemented by digital ship management systems—or even AI-based compliance monitoring tools—this standard’s rigorous focus on inspection and documentation dovetails with automation trends in the industry.

Notable features:

• Defines inspection intervals and authorized personnel
• Outlines documentation and maintenance record best practices
• Promotes proactive risk reduction in pilot boarding operations

Key highlights:

• Protects lives during high-risk transfer activities
• Offers guidance for both manual and digital inspection practices
• Supports international compliance and due diligence in marine safety

Access the full standard:View ISO 799-2:2021 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

The cumulative impact of these four standards on the shipbuilding and marine technology sectors is transformative. Organizations that implement these ISO standards realize numerous benefits, including:

• Consistent Compliance: Smooth passage through regulatory inspections, port state controls, and classification society audits.
• Enhanced Safety and Risk Reduction: Systematic inspection, robust hardware design, and clear maintenance protocols minimize accidents and injuries.
• Boosted Productivity: Standardized equipment and methods streamline operations, reducing downtime from equipment failure or post-incident investigations.
• Enabling Technological Scaling: Clear, standardized requirements make it easier to embed new technologies—such as AI-driven asset monitoring or digital twin simulations—into maritime operations.
• Environmental Sustainability: Standards like ISO 21716-2:2020 help minimize environmental impact by supporting more effective anti-fouling solutions and reducing the spread of invasive species.
• Cost Savings: Compliance reduces the risk of fines, lost time, and legal issues, while robust procedures and equipment lower maintenance costs over time.

Risks of non-compliance include regulatory penalties, reputational damage, operational disruptions, increased accident risk, and even loss of insurance coverage. In an era where digitalization and AI are reshaping how ships are built, operated, and maintained, standards-based approaches create a stable foundation for continuous improvement and safe integration of smart technologies.

Implementation Guidance

Implementing shipbuilding and marine structure standards can seem daunting, but a practical, phased approach will maximize benefits and minimize disruption. Here’s how organizations can streamline adoption:

1. Gap Analysis: Identify where current equipment, procedures, and records diverge from relevant standards.
2. Training & Awareness: Conduct structured training sessions to ensure all crew, maintenance staff, and managers understand their roles in compliance, from daily ladder inspections to setting up anchor hardware.
3. Procurement and Equipment Upgrades: When ordering new equipment (e.g., adjustable chain stoppers, pilot ladder winch reels), require ISO compliance and request up-to-date documentation and certifications from suppliers.
4. Standardized Procedures: Integrate checklists and maintenance logs from ISO standards directly into the vessel’s Planned Maintenance Systems (PMS).
5. Digital Solutions and AI Integration: Use computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and, where possible, AI-driven predictive analytics to monitor equipment condition and track inspections, repairs, and certifications. This not only helps demonstrate compliance but also reduces the risk of oversights.
6. Audit and Continuous Improvement: Conduct internal audits to verify ongoing compliance, and update systems as standards evolve.

Best Practices:

• Use manufacturer-approved repair materials and processes to avoid voiding certifications
• Keep meticulous maintenance and inspection records—digital systems can save time and minimize error
• Regularly review regulatory updates and participate in relevant training
• Involve classification societies and flag states proactively in inspection and recertification processes

Resources:

• Access full, up-to-date standards via iTeh Standards’ online catalog for quick reference and integration into digital ship libraries
• ISO’s own guidance documents for deeper dives and implementation templates
• Industry training modules for standards-specific education

Conclusion / Next Steps

Applying international standards in shipbuilding and marine structures is not simply about ticking regulatory boxes—it’s about creating a culture of safety, reliability, and continuous innovation. Today’s ships are smarter and more connected than ever before. Whether through bioassay screening for hull paints, robust anchor system hardware, or rigorous pilot ladder maintenance regimens, these standards protect lives, vessels, environments, and reputations.

Key takeaways:

• Standards like ISO 21716-2:2020, ISO 24045:2021, ISO 24136:2021, and ISO 799-2:2021 are cornerstones for safe, sustainable, and intelligently managed marine operations.
• Implementing these standards supports operational excellence, environmental compliance, and digital transformation initiatives—including AI integration—in the maritime sector.
• The path to compliance is practical and resource-efficient, especially when supported by digital tools and structured training.

Next steps for organizations:

• Review and audit your current compliance against the latest international standards
• Train staff and update procedures to align with best-in-class safety and operational requirements
• Explore the full text of these standards on iTeh Standards to ensure your business is future-ready, competitive, and poised for scalable growth

For a deeper dive into each standard, or to download the official documents, visit the referenced links below.

Reference List of Standards

• ISO 21716-2:2020 – Ships and marine technology – Bioassay methods for screening anti-fouling paints – Part 2: Barnacles

  View ISO 21716-2:2020 on iTeh Standards

• ISO 24045:2021 – Ships and marine technology – Adjustable roller-type chain stoppers

  View ISO 24045:2021 on iTeh Standards

• ISO 24136:2021 – Ships and marine technology – Pilot ladder winch reels

  View ISO 24136:2021 on iTeh Standards

• ISO 799-2:2021 – Ships and marine technology – Pilot ladders – Part 2: Maintenance, use, survey, and inspection

  View ISO 799-2:2021 on iTeh Standards

You can find all these and more at standards.iteh.ai. Stay current, compliant, and competitive with the most recent shipbuilding and marine technology standards.