ISO 12402-8:2020

Overview

ISO 12402-8:2020 - Personal flotation devices - Part 8: Accessories - Safety requirements and test methods specifies safety requirements and standardized test methods for accessories used with personal flotation devices (PFDs). Published as the second edition in 2020, this part of the ISO 12402 series covers accessory performance, marking, and manufacturer information to ensure accessories do not reduce PFD effectiveness and that they add predictable, verifiable functionality.

Key topics and technical requirements

This standard addresses the design, testing and information requirements for a wide range of PFD accessories, including:

• Whistles: performance and durability requirements for sound-signalling devices.
• Deck safety harnesses and safety lines: compatibility and strength considerations when integrated with PFDs.
• Buddy lines: attachment and functional requirements for group safety lines.
• Sprayhoods: general requirements and a gas exchange test to verify breathability and drowning prevention performance.
• Protective covers for additional hazards: requirements for accessories that protect PFDs from chemicals, heat or abrasion.
• Multi-chamber buoyancy (back-up protection): classification of full and partial back-up systems, inflatable chamber requirements and marking of back-up performance.
• Supplemental-chamber buoyancy: testing and over-pressure tests for enhanced-performance chambers and required marking and manufacturer explanations.
• Lifting loops: strength and attachment requirements for rescue/recovery operations.
• Emergency position-indicating lights (EPIRBs/EPIR-like lights): functional requirements, test methods, and marking of lights integrated into or supplied with PFDs.
• PFDs with personal locator devices (PLDs): specific requirements, additional marking and consumer information for integrated PLDs.

The standard also sets requirements for marking, information supplied by the manufacturer, and point-of-sale consumer information to help users select the correct accessory configuration.

Practical applications and who uses it

ISO 12402-8:2020 is intended for:

• PFD and accessory manufacturers designing whistles, harnesses, sprayhoods, lights, PLD integrations and inflatable chambers.
• Test laboratories and certification bodies assessing accessory conformity to ISO 12402 series.
• Procurement officers, fleet managers, offshore safety teams and maritime regulators selecting accessories for commercial, recreational and occupational use.
• Designers and engineers integrating accessories into lifejackets and buoyancy garments.

Applying this standard improves product safety, simplifies conformity assessment, and provides clear consumer information - reducing drowning risk and improving rescue outcomes.

Related standards

• ISO 12402 (all parts) - PFD performance and testing (general series).
• ISO 12401 - Safety harnesses (for integrated harness/PFD assemblies).
• IMO SOLAS regulations - for seagoing ship lifejackets (where applicable).

Keywords: ISO 12402-8:2020, personal flotation devices, PFD accessories, safety requirements, test methods, lifejacket accessories, emergency lights, PLD, multi-chamber buoyancy.