ISO 16446:2002

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 16446
First edition
2002-04-01

Ships and marine technology — Marine
environmental protection — Adaptor for
joining dissimilar boom connectors
Navires et technologie maritime — Protection de l'environnement marin —
Adaptateur pour le raccordement de barrières antipollution munies de
connecteurs dissemblables




Reference number
ISO 16446:2002(E)
©
ISO 2002

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ISO 16446:2002(E)
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ISO 16446:2002(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.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 3.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards adopted
by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an International
Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this International Standard may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 16446 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 8, Ships and marine technology, Subcommittee SC 2,
Marine environment protection.
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ISO 16446:2002(E)
Introduction
ISO/TC 8, SC 2 (Marine Environment Protection) has decided to standardize connection methods for oil-spill-
containment booms to facilitate joining booms of various types and with different connectors during major oil spills.
Historically, different types of boom-end connectors have been produced. This practice addresses the operational
need to connect booms having dissimilar connectors during spill incidents where various operators may join forces
to combat an oil spill or where normally incompatible boom stock must be used together.
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Committee F-20 (Hazardous Substances and Oil Spill
Response) has been preparing standards on related subjects for many years. This organization has prepared two
standards relating to boom connectors, namely ASTM F962-99 ([1] in the bibliography) and ASTM F1657-96 ([4] in
the bibliography).
The first of these standards, ASTM F962, specifies standard mating requirements, or geometry, for boom
connectors or adaptors. ASTM F962 was never widely accepted in the international community because many
users believe that this mating geometry has inherent design limitations. In particular, the required strict tolerance
between the mating faces of the two joining connectors can result in connection problems. Some reported
concerns or deficiencies with boom connector designs that use the ASTM F962 mating specifications are as
follows.
 Slight bending along the length of the connector can easily occur during operation or, in particular, during
roll-up or storage on the boom reel, resulting in the inability to join them together again.
 The design is more susceptible to experiencing difficulties joining connector ends if the connector face has
been dented or marred through impact.
 Dirt and debris can be trapped on a mating face, preventing proper fitting and connection, or requiring careful
cleaning of the connectors.
 During cold weather operations, ice can form at the mating faces, making connection difficult or impossible.
 The connection is not always secure. The use of a self-locking pin has occasionally resulted in excessive play
in the connection and eventual release.
With respect to permanently incorporating a universal mating requirement or standard connector in all boom
systems (instead of using an adaptor only when required), discussions with spill-response operators and oil boom
producers clearly indicate that, in many cases, this will not provide an appropriate or realistic standard practice.
Booms and connectors are often designed or selected by an operator, based on features that are suitable for their
particular operating conditions. Also, producers choose connectors based on the needs of the particular boom
design. In effect, many users think it is unlikely that any single standard connector mating criteria (as, for example,
ASTM F962) will provide the characteristics to satisfy the specific requirements of all users.
The second of these standards, ASTM F1657, was subsequently developed to provide another approach to oil
boom connectors. Instead of providing a standard connector design, it provides a common method for joining
existing booms with different connector designs in the field during a major spill incident. This standard does not
attempt to have all manufacturers and spill responders use universal connectors at all times. Instead, it specifies
modifications on existing connectors in the way of incorporating holes at specified locations to allow for this
standard connection method during major response incidents. Alternatively, boom manufacturers may provide an
adaptor that would accomplish the same end result.
After considering these existing ASTM standards, and discussions with individuals involved in the development of
these standards, i.e. spill responders and boom producers, this International Standard has been developed to use
the same mating specifications as in ASTM F1657. However, this International Standard encourages the use of
separate adaptors in most cases, to avoid the possible adverse effects of modifications to existing connector
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ISO 16446:2002(E)
designs when incorporating these mating specifications. These mating specifications may be incorporated into
existing connectors, if preferred and possible, only when the manufacturer or user can ensure that the
modifications will not alter the strength and performance of the connector.
This International Standard contains the essence of ASTM F1657, with changes and additional details incorporated
in certain clauses.

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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 16446:2002(E)

Ships and marine technology — Marine environmental
protection — Adaptor for joining dissimilar boom connectors
1 Scope
This International Standard specifies a universal method for the joining of oil-spill-containment booms with
dissimilar connectors through the use of a standard adaptor with prescribed mating specifications. This standard
does not intend to replace the design of existing connectors.
This International Standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It
is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine
the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2 Normative reference
The following normative document contains provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute provisions of
this International Standard. For dated references, subsequent amendments to, or revisions of, any of these
publications do not apply. However, parties to agreements based on this International Standard are encouraged to
investigate the possibility of applying the most recent edition of the normative document indicated below. For
undated references, the latest edition of the normative document referred to applies. Members of ISO and IEC
maintain registers of currently valid International Standards.
ISO 16165, Ships and marine technology — Marine envi
...