SIST EN 1809:2014/kFprA1:2015

Overview

EN 1809:2014/FprA1 is a CEN European Standard for inflatable diving buoyancy compensators (BCDs). It specifies functional and safety requirements and associated test methods for inflatable-type buoyancy compensating devices intended to enable divers to control buoyancy and, where applicable, to carry breathing equipment and/or weights. The standard explicitly excludes life preservers, personal flotation or rescue devices and combined buoyancy/rescue devices. The FprA1 draft amendment updates the compressed gas inflation device illustration to show a quick release male connector.

Key topics

• Scope and applicability - inflatable buoyancy compensators used for diving; clear exclusions for other flotation/rescue equipment.
• Functional requirements - design features required to enable reliable buoyancy control and support carriage of equipment/weights (as applicable).
• Safety requirements - criteria to minimize hazards during normal use and foreseeable misuse.
• Test methods - laboratory and bench tests that verify performance, durability and safety characteristics defined in the standard.
• Compressed gas inflation device - graphical/technical clarification in Amendment A1 (Figure 1) showing the quick release male connector for inflation systems.
• Conformity considerations - how manufacturers and test laboratories demonstrate compliance with the specified requirements and test protocols.

Applications

• Manufacturers and designers - use the standard to design inflatable buoyancy compensators that meet recognized European functional and safety benchmarks.
• Test laboratories and certifying bodies - apply the test methods for product evaluation, type approval and CE marking support.
• Procurement and specification teams - reference EN 1809 when specifying dive BCs for commercial, training or institutional purchases to ensure safety and interoperability.
• Regulators and safety officers - rely on the standard to define minimum safety requirements and to assess product conformity for diving operations.
• Technical writers and trainers - use the standard as a source when preparing user manuals, inspection checklists and training materials related to buoyancy control equipment.

Related standards

• EN 1809 is part of the suite of CEN standards covering diving equipment and outdoor water-sports safety. Manufacturers and compliance teams typically consider EN 1809 alongside other equipment-specific standards and national regulations when developing, testing and certifying dive gear.

Keywords: EN 1809, buoyancy compensators, buoyancy control device, BCD standard, inflatable buoyancy compensator, test methods, safety requirements, CEN.