ISO/PAS 23678-1:2020

PUBLICLY ISO/PAS
AVAILABLE 23678-1
SPECIFICATION
First edition
2020-03
Service personnel for the
maintenance, thorough examination,
operational testing, overhaul and
repair of lifeboats (including free-fall
lifeboats) and rescue boats (including
fast rescue boats), launching
appliances and release gear —
Part 1:
General requirements for training
providers
Reference number
ISO/PAS 23678-1:2020(E)
©
ISO 2020

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ISO/PAS 23678-1:2020(E)

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© ISO 2020
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ISO/PAS 23678-1:2020(E)

Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions, and abbreviated terms . 1
4 Service technician competence progression . 4
4.1 General . 4
4.2 Initial training — Introductory education and training . 4
4.3 Initial refresher training . 5
4.4 Level 1 Stage 1 technician-controlled environment education and training . 5
4.5 Level 1 Stage 2 Technician controlled environment experience and assessment:. 6
4.6 Level 2 Infield supervised workplace experience and competence assessment
requirements . 6
4.6.1 General. 6
4.6.2 Initial Level 2 Infield supervised workplace experience and competence
assessment process . 6
4.7 Level 2 competence re-assessment requirements . 7
5 Resources for service technician training . 7
5.1 General . 7
5.2 Staff resources . 8
5.2.1 General. 8
5.2.2 Requirements for trainers and assessors . 8
5.2.3 Assessors and internal verifiers . 8
5.2.4 Trainer/assessor candidate ratio . 8
5.3 Physical resources . 8
5.3.1 General. 8
5.3.2 Resources for training and assessment . 8
5.3.3 Facilities . . 9
5.4 Equipment . 9
5.4.1 General. 9
5.4.2 Equipment required for initial training .10
5.4.3 Equipment required for Level 1 Service Technical training .10
6 Administration and certification .11
6.1 Course administration .11
6.2 Certification .11
6.2.1 General.11
6.2.2 Initial certificate .12
6.2.3 Level 1 certificate .12
6.2.4 Level 2 certificate .12
6.2.5 Criteria for changing the scope of the certificate .12
6.2.6 Criteria for suspending the certificate .12
7 Code of conduct .13
Annex A (informative) Service technician competence progression .14
Annex B (informative) Equipment covered by the training .18
Annex C (informative) Level 1 technician Stage 2 controlled environment experience and
assessment exercise criteria .19
Annex D (informative) Examples of certificates .20
Bibliography .27
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ISO/PAS 23678-1:2020(E)

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www .iso .org/ directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www .iso .org/ patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www .iso .org/
iso/ foreword .html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 8, Ships and marine technology,
Subcommittee SC 1, Maritime safety.
A list of all parts in the ISO/PAS 23678 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www .iso .org/ members .html.
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ISO/PAS 23678-1:2020(E)

Introduction
The industry recognises that a major objective is to prevent accidents and incidents from occurring. A
global network of competent personnel employed by authorized service providers is vital for lifesaving
appliances to remain fit for purpose, sustaining crew confidence and contributing to the prevention of
incidents and accidents.
It has been recognized from the new requirements in IMO Resolution MSC.402 (96) for maintenance,
thorough examination, operational testing, overhaul and repair of lifeboats (including free-fall
lifeboats) and rescue boats (including fast rescue boats), launching appliances, and release gear
(henceforth referred to as the "IMO Requirements") adopted 19th May 2016 and entering into force 1st
January 2020, that it is necessary to develop an International Standard. This necessity is based on the
IMO Requirements, paragraph 7.1.1:
"Employment and documentation of personnel certified in accordance with a recognized national,
international or industry standards as applicable, or a manufacturer's established certification programme.
In either case, the certification programme shall comply with section 8 for each make and type of equipment
for which service is to be provided;"
This document and the associated ISO/PAS 23678-2, ISO/PAS 23678-3 and ISO/PAS 23678-4 have been
developed to achieve three key objectives.
1. The first objective was to develop training documents that would support the IMO Requirements,
section 7, paragraph 7.1.1.
2. The second objective was to develop training documents that would provide a consistent, reliable,
and standardised approach to training and provide a clear auditable trail for interested parties to
grant authorisation supporting the IMO Requirements, section 3, to approved service providers.
3. The third objective was to develop training documents that would enable personnel certified by
authorized service providers to develop and maintain competencies identified by industry experts
to a level that enables them to competently work unsupervised on equipment covered by this
document.
This document has been developed by identifying common design features in relation to survival craft,
davits, winches and release gear makes and types for which service is to be provided. This has been
achieved by conducting professional discussions with disciplined experts to obtain the appropriate
information to develop a training programme that is fit for purpose. Successfully completing the service
technician training in ISO/PAS 23678-2, ISO/PAS 23678-3 and ISO/PAS 23678-4 enables personnel
certified by an authorized service provider to meet the IMO Requirements, section 7, paragraph 7.1.1.,
and section 8.
The ISO/PAS 23678-series on service technician training consist of:
— Part 1: Guidance to training providers; describes the competence route of the candidate and the
resources that the training provider needs to deliver the training.
— Part 2: Initial training; describes the training programme for initial familiarisation and induction
training, which is classroom education. The training programme focuses on introducing individuals
to the complex terminology, rules and regulations, organisations, health, and safety that a service
technician needs to understand in order to carry out their role.
— Part 3: Level 1 training; describes the controlled environment education and training delivered
at a training school. The training programme focuses on the technical training for type specific
lifesaving appliances.
— Part 4: Level 2 in-field competence; describes the requirements for initial infield and ongoing
competence assessments.
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ISO/PAS 23678-1:2020(E)

NOTE ISO/PAS 23678-1, ISO/PAS 23678-2 and ISO/PAS 23678-3 are referencing typical in-house/training
school training programmes. ISO/PAS 23678-4 is typical in-field performance of the personnel trained and
recording of their competence.
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PUBLICLY AVAILABLE SPECIFICATION ISO/PAS 23678-1:2020(E)
Service personnel for the maintenance, thorough
examination, operational testing, overhaul and repair of
lifeboats (including free-fall lifeboats) and rescue boats
(including fast rescue boats), launching appliances and
release gear —
Part 1:
General requirements for training providers
1 Scope
This document establishes a uniform, safe and consistent approach to training personnel to enable them
to establish and maintain the required competencies in relation to maintenance, thorough examination,
operational testing, overhaul and repair of lifeboats (including free-fall lifeboats) and rescue boats
(including fast rescue boats), launching appliances and release gear.
It also provides the necessary information for interested parties to grant authorization and effectively
evaluate and audit training, supporting the IMO Requirements, Section 3.
It describes the competence route, resources, facilities and certification requirements for personnel
trained by a manufacturer or by an authorized service provider to carry out maintenance, thorough
examination, operational testing, overhaul and repair of lifeboats (including free-fall lifeboats) and
rescue boats (including fast rescue boats), launching appliances and release gear. This document also
sets out the competence route of the candidate, and the resources that the training provider needs to
deliver the training.
This document is intended to be used in conjunction with ISO/PAS 23678-2, ISO/PAS 23678-3 and
ISO/PAS 23678-4.
2 Normative references
There are no normative references in this document.
3 Terms and definitions, and abbreviated terms
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
authorised service provider
entity authorized by the administration, meeting the IMO Requirements (3.14), section 3 and section 7
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3.2
company
owner of the ship or any other organization or person such as the manager, or the bareboat charterer,
who has assumed the responsibility for operation of the ship from the owner of the ship and who on
assuming such responsibility has agreed to take over all the duties and responsibilities imposed by the
International Safety Management Code
[SOURCE: SOLAS Regulation IX: 2010, 1.2]
3.3
competent person
person having such knowledge and experience of as is necessary for that person to carry out
maintenance, thorough examination, operational testing, overhaul (3.13) and repair (3.14) of a complete
system (3.4), assess the condition of a complete system and make a judgement as to whether it can
remain in service
3.4
complete system
survival craft (3.17) and associated equipment (3.6), release gear and launching appliance (3.9)
3.5
disciplined expert
expert that has proven competence in design, manufacturing, inspection, maintenance, training and
certification of personnel for LSA equipment (3.6)
3.6
equipment
equipment to which the IMO Requirements (3.14) apply
3.7
intervention
activity that includes maintenance, thorough examination, operational testing, overhaul (3.13) and
repair (3.14) of lifeboats (including free-fall lifeboats) and rescue boats (including fast rescue boats),
launching appliances (3.9) and release gear
3.8
interested party
entity with the ability to grant authorisation, meeting the IMO Requirements (3.14)
3.9
launching appliance
means of transferring a survival craft (3.17) from its stowed position safely to the water
3.10
manufacturer
original equipment (3.6) manufacturer or any entity which has taken legal and legitimate responsibilities
for equipment when the original equipment manufacturer no longer exists or supports the equipment
3.11
offload release mechanism
release mechanism that releases the survival craft (3.17)/rescue boat/fast rescue boat when it is
waterborne or when there is no load on the hooks
3.12
on-load release mechanism
on-load release gear
release mechanism that releases the survival craft (3.17)/rescue boat/fast rescue boat with load on
the hooks
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3.13
overhaul
periodical activity defined by the manufacturer (3.10) that proves continued fitness for purpose for a
defined period subject to correct maintenance
3.14
IMO Requirements
requirements related to Regulation III/20 of the International Convention of Safety of Life At Sea, 1974,
given in the IMO Resolution MSC.402(96) for maintenance, thorough examination, operational testing,
overhaul (3.13) and repair (3.14) of lifeboats (including free-fall lifeboats) and rescue boats (including
fast rescue boats), launching appliances (3.9) and release gear
3.15
repair
activity requiring disassembly of equipment (3.6), or any other activity outside the scope of the
instructions for on-board maintenance and for emergency repair (3.14) of lifesaving appliances meeting
the requirements of SOLAS Regulations III/36.2 and III/35.3.18, respectively
3.16
service technician
person that is trained and certified by a manufacturer (3.10) or an authorised service provider (3.1) to
carry out maintenance, thorough examination, operational testing, overhaul (3.13) and repair (3.14)
of lifeboats (including free-fall lifeboats) and rescue boats (including fast rescue boats), launching
appliances (3.9) and release gear
3.17
survival craft
craft capable of sustaining the lives of persons in distress from the time of abandoning the ship
[SOURCE: SOLAS Regulation III/23:2003]
3.18
type
category of LSA equipment (3.6) having common characteristics, including lifeboats (including free-fall
lifeboats) and rescue boats (including fast rescue boats), launching appliances and release gear
Abbreviated terms
ALARP As low as reasonably practicable
ASP Authorised service provider
COSHH Control of substances hazardous to health
FRB Fast rescue boat
MAH Major accident hazard
MSC Maritime safety committee
MODU Mobile offshore drilling unit
MSDS Material safety data sheets
LSA Lifesaving appliances
PPE Personal protective equipment
RA Risk assessment
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RPE Respiratory protective equipment
RO Recognised organisation
SOLAS International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended
TEMPSC Totally enclosed motor propelled survival craft
UCN Unique certificate number
4 Service technician competence progression
4.1 General
The training of service technicians may not be limited to the training programme described in this
document. Specific operations may require additional competencies of trained and certified personnel.
These additional competencies are not addressed in this document as being part of the training for
certified personnel.
Service technician training, competence assessment, and re-assessment is comprised of five key stages.
The key stages given in 4.2 to 4.7 shall be followed (see Annex A).
4.2 Initial training — Introductory education and training
4.2.1 General — The initial training is comprised of three modules that are predominantly theory
based to address in part the IMO Requirements, section 8, at a basic entry level. The modules introduce
and familiarize the candidates with the organisations, legislative framework, rules, regulations,
terminology, procedures, health and safety and equipment associated with manufacture/ASP operations.
4.2.2 Module 1, Service technician general industry knowledge, cover the IMO Requirements, section
8.2.1, paragraphs 8.2.1.1-8.2.1.6, as follows:
a) .1 theory; relevant rules and regulations, including international conventions;
b) .2 theory; design and construction of lifeboats (including free-fall lifeboats), rescue boats and fast
rescue boats, including on-load release gear and launching appliances;
c) .3 theory; causes of lifeboat and rescue boat accidents;
d) .4 theory; education in the procedures specified in the IMO Requirements, section 6, for which
certification is sought;
e) .5 theory familiarisation; detailed procedures for thorough examination, operational testing, repair
and overhaul of lifeboat (including free-fall lifeboats), rescue boats and fast rescue boats, launching
appliances and on-load release gear, as applicable;
f) practical operation release gear;
NOTE This is outside the IMO Requirements, section 8.
g) .6 theory; procedures for issuing a report of service and statement of fitness for purpose based on
the IMO Requirements, paragraph 5.3.
4.2.3 Module 2, Basic safety at work (IMO Requirements, 8.2.1:7): theory practical; work, health and
safety issues while conducting activities on board.
4.2.4 Module 3, Risk management (IMO Requirements, 8.2.1:7): risk management while conducting
activities on board.
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4.2.5 Following successful assessment of learning objectives found in ISO/PAS 23678-2, candidates
shall be awarded an Initial Service Technician certificate.
4.3 Initial refresher training
Developed to support the IMO requirements, section 8, paragraphs 8.2.1.1, 8.2.1.2, 8.2.1.3 and 8.2.1.7.
The refresher training shall update personnel with any changes to legislation, rules and regulations
associated with manufacturer/ASP operations. The training and assessment activities shall ensure
personnel’s underpinning knowledge is current and maintained at the required level to carry out
their role in a safe effective manner. Following successful assessment of learning objectives found in
ISO/PAS 23678-2, candidates shall be awarded an Initial Service Technician certificate.
4.4 Level 1 Stage 1 technician-controlled environment education and training
4.4.1 The Level 1 training shall be split into two stages. Stage 1 shall have five modules that should
be comprised of classroom-based theory lessons followed by practical sessions. The five modules shall
cover the equipment identified in 5.4.3 of this document and support the IMO Requirements, section 8,
paragraphs 8.1, 8.2.1.4-8.2.1.6, 8.2.2, and 8.2.3. The classroom training shall identify and develop the
required underpinning knowledge to examine, overhaul, maintain, test and repair the individual parts
that make up a complete system. The practical sessions shall focus on developing the skills required
to examine, overhaul, maintain test and repair the components that make up a complete system.
The practical sessions shall contain repetitive exercises that incorporate and practically apply the
underpinning knowledge gained during the Initial and Level 1 theory sessions. The practical exercises
shall give the candidates the opportunity to practice and demonstrate competence in relation to the skills
and knowledge required to carry out their role.
4.4.2 The assessment process shall be continuous, if successful candidates continue onto Level 1, Stage
2 “Controlled Environment Experience and Assessment.”
The Level 1, Stage 1 modules are as follows:
a) module 1: work, health and safety issues while conducting activities on board;
b) module 2: types; survival craft;
c) module 3: types; release systems;
d) module 4: types; davits;
e) module 5: types; winches.
4.4.3 The modules are type-specific as identified in Table B.1, supporting the IMO requirements,
section 8, paragraphs 8.2.1.4-8.2.1.6:
a) .4 theory/practical; education in the procedures specified in section 6 of IMO Resolution MSC.402
(96) for which certification is sought;
b) .5 theory/practical; detailed procedures for thorough examination, operational testing, repair and
overhaul of lifeboat (including free-fall lifeboats), rescue boats and fast rescue boats, launching
appliances and on-load release gear, as applicable;
c) .6 theory/practical procedures for issuing a report of service and statement of fitness for purpose
based on paragraph 5.3 of IMO Resolution MSC.402 (96).
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4.5 Level 1 Stage 2 Technician controlled environment experience and assessment:
4.5.1 The candidates shall undertake supervised scenario based practical exercises assessments
covering the range of type specific complete systems as identified in Table B.1. The purpose of the
exercises is to enable the candidates to carry out annual and 5-year inspections on a complete system.
4.5.2 The practical exercises shall incorporate and put into practice the relevant underpinning
knowledge and practical experience gained during the Initial and Level 1, Stage 1 training.
4.5.3 Each exercise supports the procedures specified in sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the IMO Requirements,
with only one exercise covering the procedures identified in section 6.3. The exercises also cover the
requirements of sections 8.2.1.1-8.2.1.7 and 8.2.2.
4.5.4 The candidates should be supervised and mentored through the exercises to assist candidates to
develop competencies; the overall objective is to create an environment that is conducive to continued
professional development.
4.5.5 The practica
...