ISO 23678-1:2022

ISO 23678-1:2022 - General requirements for training providers

Overview

ISO 23678-1:2022 establishes a uniform, safe and consistent approach for training personnel who perform maintenance, thorough examination, operational testing, overhaul and repair of lifeboats and rescue boats, launching appliances and release gear. The standard defines the competence route, resources, facilities and certification requirements for personnel trained by manufacturers or authorized service providers (ASPs). It supports the IMO Requirements (MSC.402(96)) and is intended to be used alongside ISO 23678-2, -3 and -4.

Key technical topics and requirements

• Competence progression: Describes initial training (introductory modules), refresher training, Level 1 (controlled environment) and Level 2 (in-field supervised) stages, including assessment and re-assessment routes.
• Training structure: References modular training (Module 1–3 as applicable), practical exercises and workplace experience requirements to develop and verify competence.
• Resources for training providers: Specifies required staffing (trainers, assessors, internal verifiers), trainer/assessor candidate ratios, physical resources, facilities and equipment needed to deliver and assess training effectively.
• Assessment and certification: Sets out administration, certificate types (initial, Level 1, Level 2), criteria for scope changes, suspension and auditability of certificates.
• Authorization and audit support: Provides information for interested parties (maritime administrations, auditors) to grant authorization and evaluate training in line with IMO Requirements.
• Governance: Includes code of conduct and informative annexes (competence progression diagrams, equipment covered, assessment criteria, example certificates).

Practical applications - who uses this standard

• Training providers and maritime academies: to design compliant courses and assessment plans for service technicians.
• Authorized service providers (ASPs) and manufacturers: to certify staff competence for servicing lifeboats, free-fall lifeboats, rescue boats (including fast rescue boats), davits, winches and release gear.
• Shipowners, managers and crews: to verify that maintenance personnel meet recognized competency and certification standards that sustain lifesaving appliance reliability.
• Maritime administrations and auditors: to evaluate authorization requests and audit training providers against a consistent, auditable framework.
• Assessors and internal verifiers: to apply standard assessment criteria and certification processes.

Related standards and references

• ISO 23678-2: Service personnel initial training
• ISO 23678-3 and ISO 23678-4: (follow-on parts covering additional training and competence specifics)
• IMO Resolution MSC.402(96): Requirements for maintenance, examination, testing, overhaul and repair of lifesaving appliances

For implementation, ISO 23678-1 should be used in conjunction with the other parts of the ISO 23678 series to ensure full compliance with IMO Requirements and to establish robust, auditable training and certification systems for lifesaving-appliance service personnel.