ISO 20410:2017

Overview

ISO 20410:2017 - Tourism and related services - Bareboat charter - Minimum service and equipment requirements - defines minimum service levels and equipment obligations for bareboats offered for charter on inland, coastal and offshore waters. It is applicable to any individual or organization that offers a bareboat for charter. The standard focuses on the safety of the bareboat and its occupants (not on sport or recreational activities), excludes boats provided with a skipper/crew and bareboats without living accommodation, and does not set construction requirements.

Key topics and technical requirements

ISO 20410:2017 organizes requirements around service provision, handover/handback procedures, equipment and documentation. Major topics include:

• Service provision and pre-charter information

  • Arranging the charter, bareboat details, dates, location and charter fee
  • Evidence of competence for charterers
  • Consumables, optional services, operating restrictions and security deposits
  • Insurance, assistance during the charter, crew lists, data protection and legal obligations

• Handover and handback procedures

  • Arrival, systematic handover inspection and briefing, handback checks and processes for continual improvement

• Minimum bareboat equipment

  • Navigation equipment: log book, nautical publications, compass, distance log
  • Communication equipment and sound signalling
  • Anchor and mooring equipment, gangway/passerelle, torch/searchlight
  • Safety and emergency equipment: first aid kit, emergency re-boarding aids, man overboard prevention devices, lifesaving appliances, lifesaving signals
  • Fire safety: fire detection and firefighting appliances
  • Detectors: carbon monoxide and LPG detectors
  • Practical items: hose pipe, portable containers, shore power cable, rigging wire cutter

• Bareboat manual contents

  • General data and layout, maximum number of persons, engine information
  • Flooding/stability risks, bilge pumps, escape routes, fire/explosion and electrical risks
  • Handling characteristics, recommended operational procedures and other essential information for safe operation

Practical applications and users

ISO 20410:2017 is intended for:

• Charter companies, boat owners and rental operators who offer bareboats
• Marinas, brokers and booking platforms listing bareboat charters
• Safety auditors, insurers and liability assessors evaluating charter operations
• Regulators and tourism quality schemes seeking consistent minimum service standards

Practical uses:

• Creating or auditing bareboat handover checklists, manuals and pre-charter information packs
• Standardizing equipment inventories and safety briefings
• Demonstrating compliance to customers and insurers, reducing liability and improving customer confidence

Related standards and guidance

This standard was prepared by ISO/TC 228 (Tourism and related services). Organizations should also consider relevant national maritime safety regulations, local authorities and insurance requirements when implementing ISO 20410:2017 to ensure complete legal and operational compliance.