Ships and marine technology - Inflatable buoyancy support systems against flooding of ships - Part 1: Gas supply system

This document specifies general requirements, the installation and the activation of the gas supply system of inflatable buoyancy support systems, which serve residual buoyancy for damaged ships not to sink or capsize, and which can be installed in machinery spaces and/or cargo holds. It is intended to ensure the functions of the gas supply system, which uses a gas media, such as an asphyxiant, to inflate the buoyancy chamber of the inflatable buoyancy support systems.

Titre manque — Partie 1: Titre manque

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
15-Dec-2019
Technical Committee
Drafting Committee
Current Stage
9093 - International Standard confirmed
Start Date
06-Mar-2025
Completion Date
13-Dec-2025
Ref Project

Overview - ISO 23121-1:2019 (Gas supply system)

ISO 23121-1:2019 specifies requirements for the gas supply system of inflatable buoyancy support systems used to prevent damaged ships from sinking or capsizing. The standard covers general requirements, installation and activation of gas-based inflation systems for buoyancy chambers installed in machinery spaces and cargo holds. It is intended to ensure safe, reliable inflation using gas media (including asphyxiants) while protecting habitable spaces and maintaining compatibility with fire‑fighting systems.

Key topics and technical requirements

  • Scope and purpose
    • Applies to gas supply systems that provide residual buoyancy for flooded or damaged ships.
  • Permitted media
    • Prohibits inlet media causing toxic concentrations in discharge spaces and forbids Halon 1211, 1301, 2402 and per‑fluorocarbons.
    • Defines “asphyxiant” and requires safeguards when media can be harmful to health.
  • System installation
    • Components (cylinders, regulators, valves, hoses) must be securely fastened to withstand ship motions, shocks and vibrations.
    • Cylinders must be installed in non‑habitable, separated spaces, mounted clear of bilge water and water‑accumulation surfaces.
    • Pressure regulators (if used) shall comply with ISO 15738 to avoid sudden inflation damage.
  • Activation and controls
    • Buoyancy chambers must not activate automatically.
    • Remote control valves require an indicator visible from the main helm (bridge or machinery control room).
    • Systems must be operable between −15 °C and 65 °C.
    • When gas media are harmful, a shut‑off valve distinct from the activation system must be fitted close to cylinders.
  • Safety warnings and alarms
    • Visual/sound alarms are required in protected spaces large enough to be occupied, activated before gas supply.
    • Displayed information and warnings should use appropriate language and may use ISO 7010 symbols.
  • Performance and sizing
    • Quantity of cylinders determined by required buoyant force and chamber volume; cylinder fill must not exceed safe internal pressure at +65 °C.

Practical applications and users

  • Who uses this standard:
    • Ship designers and naval architects, shipyards, marine equipment manufacturers, classification societies, marine surveyors, ship operators and safety officers.
  • Typical uses:
    • Designing or retrofitting inflatable buoyancy support systems for damage‑control and flooding mitigation in machinery spaces or cargo holds.
    • Specifying installation, controls, alarm integration and gas selection for compliance with safety and SOLAS considerations.
    • Ensuring compatibility of buoyancy inflation with fixed fire‑extinguishing systems (see IMO SOLAS, Ch. II‑2A Reg. 4).

Related standards

  • IMO SOLAS, Chapter II‑2A, Regulation 4 (fixed fire extinguishing systems)
  • ISO 15738 - Gas inflation systems for inflatable life‑saving appliances
  • ISO 7010 - Graphical safety symbols

Keywords: ISO 23121-1:2019, inflatable buoyancy support systems, gas supply system, marine safety, flooding mitigation, buoyancy chambers, ship design, IMO SOLAS.

Standard
ISO 23121-1:2019 - Ships and marine technology — Inflatable buoyancy support systems against flooding of ships — Part 1: Gas supply system Released:12/16/2019
English language
5 pages
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Frequently Asked Questions

ISO 23121-1:2019 is a standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Its full title is "Ships and marine technology - Inflatable buoyancy support systems against flooding of ships - Part 1: Gas supply system". This standard covers: This document specifies general requirements, the installation and the activation of the gas supply system of inflatable buoyancy support systems, which serve residual buoyancy for damaged ships not to sink or capsize, and which can be installed in machinery spaces and/or cargo holds. It is intended to ensure the functions of the gas supply system, which uses a gas media, such as an asphyxiant, to inflate the buoyancy chamber of the inflatable buoyancy support systems.

This document specifies general requirements, the installation and the activation of the gas supply system of inflatable buoyancy support systems, which serve residual buoyancy for damaged ships not to sink or capsize, and which can be installed in machinery spaces and/or cargo holds. It is intended to ensure the functions of the gas supply system, which uses a gas media, such as an asphyxiant, to inflate the buoyancy chamber of the inflatable buoyancy support systems.

ISO 23121-1:2019 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 47.020.10 - Hulls and their structure elements. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

You can purchase ISO 23121-1:2019 directly from iTeh Standards. The document is available in PDF format and is delivered instantly after payment. Add the standard to your cart and complete the secure checkout process. iTeh Standards is an authorized distributor of ISO standards.

Standards Content (Sample)


INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 23121-1
First edition
2019-12
Ships and marine technology —
Inflatable buoyancy support systems
against flooding of ships —
Part 1:
Gas supply system
Reference number
©
ISO 2019
© ISO 2019
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting
on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address
below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
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Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved

Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 General requirements . 2
4.1 General . 2
4.2 Media . 2
4.3 Separation from habitable spaces . 3
5 Installation . 3
5.1 General . 3
5.2 Fastening . 3
5.3 Pressure regulator . 3
5.4 Location of the gas cylinders . 3
6 Activation . 3
6.1 General . 3
6.2 Engine shutdown . 3
6.3 Displayed information . 3
6.4 Warning for gas media . 4
Bibliography . 5
Foreword
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This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 8, Ships and marine technology,
Subcommittee SC 8, Ship design.
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iv © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved

Introduction
This document is intended to support the development and technical implementation of various types
of buoyancy support systems.
In case of marine accidents, such as collisions and groundings, excessive damage and flo
...

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