ISO 19898:2019

Overview

ISO 19898:2019 - Ships and marine technology - Life‑saving appliances and arrangements - Means of recovery of persons - specifies performance, material, stowage, marking and testing requirements for recovery devices and systems used to recover persons in the water (PIW). The standard also sets out manufacturer responsibilities for production control, type approval information, instructions for use and accompanying documentation. ISO 19898:2019 is intended to assist shipowners, designers and safety managers in selecting ship‑specific recovery devices suitable for safe recovery from the water or from survival craft.

Key technical topics and requirements

• Scope and purpose: Defines recovery devices and recovery systems (reaching‑out devices, securing devices, lifting/hoisting systems) and supports ship‑specific recovery planning under SOLAS.
• Performance requirements:
  • Safe transfer under dynamic conditions and protection from impact with the vessel.
  • Designed for horizontal or deck‑chair rescue positions.
  • Minimum buoyancy of 100 N per person when intended to support persons in the water.
  • Safety factor of 6 for structural strength; launching time ≤ 5 min.
• Material and environmental suitability:
  • Marine‑grade, rot‑proof, corrosion‑resistant materials; resistant to sunlight, oil and fungal attack.
  • Operational temperature ranges specified for stowage (−30 °C to +65 °C) and seawater use (−1 °C to +30 °C).
  • High‑visibility colours and retro‑reflective materials in accordance with IMO A.658(16).
• Stowage and marking:
  • Clear marking of maximum person capacity (based on 82.5 kg per person).
  • Safe, ready stowage and installation location guidance (e.g., forward of screws/thrusters where practical).
• Manufacturer and documentation:
  • Requirements for production quality control, type approval information, instructions for use and documents accompanying each device.
• Testing regime:
  • Functional, load, tensile, floating, temperature cycling, drop/impact and material tests to verify performance and SWL.

Practical applications - who uses ISO 19898:2019

• Shipowners and operators selecting or procuring life‑saving recovery appliances.
• Naval architects and shipyards integrating recovery systems into vessel arrangements.
• Manufacturers seeking type approval and preparing user instructions and test evidence.
• Flag administrations, surveyors and classification societies evaluating compliance with SOLAS and IMO guidance.
• Safety managers preparing ship‑specific recovery plans and crew training programs.

Related standards and references

• SOLAS 1974 (Chapter III, Regulation 17–1)
• IMO LSA Code (MSC.48(66)) and related IMO resolutions (A.658(16), MSC.81(70))
• Relevant ISO/IMO testing and approval guidance for life‑saving appliances

Keywords: ISO 19898:2019, means of recovery of persons, life‑saving appliances, recovery devices, person in water (PIW), maritime safety, SOLAS compliance, recovery system testing.