ISO 18421:2016

Overview

ISO 18421:2016 is an international standard developed by ISO that specifies the construction and dimensions of lifebuoy housings for inland navigation vessels. The standard focuses on ensuring lifebuoy housings provide robust protection against environmental deterioration and vandalism. By setting clear guidelines on design, materials, and testing, ISO 18421:2016 enhances the reliability and accessibility of lifesaving equipment on inland waterways.

This standard is a key document for manufacturers, shipbuilders, and safety regulators involved in inland navigation vessel safety compliance. It replaces the first edition (ISO 18421:2013) with technical revisions, including adjusted dimensions, modified strength test procedures, and optional operational status checks.

Key Topics

• Dimensions and Design
  ISO 18421:2016 defines internal sized to accommodate lifebuoys with an outer diameter of 760 mm and specific thicknesses along with associated grab and throw lines. Design requirements ensure the lifebuoy and its lines remain secure but easily accessible when the cover is opened. Covers must include bolting, quick-release latches, and a captive connection to the housing.

• Material Requirements
  The standard allows housings to be made from seawater-resistant materials such as plastics, aluminium, hot-dip galvanized steel, or stainless steel. Materials must meet stringent resistance requirements to withstand rain, spray, sun radiation, oil exposure, and corrosion according to IEC 60945.

• Resistance and Temperature Stability
  Housings must maintain performance over a temperature range of −25 °C to +65 °C and demonstrate structural strength under a 100 kg load test applied via a textile belt, preventing loosening, deformation, or damage. Certificates verifying compliance with resistance to environmental factors are required.

• Colour and Markings
  External surfaces must be orange or red for high visibility. Lifebuoy housings are permanently marked with the ISO 18421 reference and year of manufacture. Covers feature a lifebuoy symbol and include a plate with rescue and resuscitation instructions as per ISO 18422.

• Additional Functional Features
  Optional features include an indicator showing whether a lifebuoy is present and a seal for tamper evidence. Mounting provisions ensure housings can be securely fixed to masts, posts, walls, or railings using four bolt holes.

• Testing and Certification
  Type approval testing includes visual inspections, functional tests, resistance verification, and strength testing to certify that housings meet the standard’s performance criteria. Manufacturers must also provide mounting instructions.

Applications

ISO 18421:2016 is applicable primarily to lifebuoy housings on inland navigation vessels, including:

• River barges and cargo ships
• Passenger ferries and tour boats operating on inland waterways
• Tugboats and service vessels operating in canals and lakes

Adoption of this standard helps inland navigation operators ensure lifesaving equipment is protected, reliably functional, and accessible in emergencies. It also supports compliance with maritime safety regulations and enhances crew and passenger safety by reducing equipment failure rates caused by environmental exposure or vandalism.

Manufacturers utilize the standard as a benchmark for designing and producing lifebuoy housings that consistently meet the required operational and environmental durability.

Related Standards

• ISO 18422 – Ships and marine technology - Inland navigation vessels - Plate with instructions for rescue, resuscitation and first aid for drowning persons
• IEC 60945 – Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems - General requirements - Methods of testing and required test results
• ISO 2768-1 – General tolerances - Part 1: Tolerances for linear and angular dimensions without individual tolerance indications

These standards complement ISO 18421 by providing guidelines for marking, testing, and rescue instructions associated with lifesaving equipment on vessels, ensuring a holistic approach to marine safety on inland waterways.

By adhering to ISO 18421:2016, inland navigation vessels enhance crew safety and regulatory compliance by ensuring lifebuoy housings are durable, weather-resistant, securely mounted, and clearly identifiable. This translates to improved readiness and response during maritime emergencies.