ISO 25649-7:2017

Overview - ISO 25649-7:2017 (Class E devices)

ISO 25649-7:2017 is the ISO standard that defines additional specific safety requirements and test methods for Class E floating leisure articles used on and in the water. It complements ISO 25649‑1 and ISO 25649‑2 and applies whether buoyancy is provided by inflation or inherent buoyant material. Class E covers small recreational boats and tenders - typically inflatable boats, canoes, kayaks and similar devices intended for bathing areas or protected shore zones. The standard closes the regulatory gap between very small aquatic toys and larger inflatable boats, covering devices from about 1.2 m (flat) up to approximately 1 800 N buoyancy.

Key technical topics and requirements

ISO 25649-7 focuses on combined safety and performance requirements with practical test methods. Major topics include:

• Materials - requirements for materials used in hulls and components.
• Construction and functional components - hull integrity, drainage, manual lifting/carrying devices, rowlocks, oars, seating and attachments.
• Safety requirements and tests:
  • Minimum area and maximum permissible number of persons (space per person)
  • Static stability and dimensional stability when getting on/off the boat
  • Maximum load capacity and residual buoyancy after failure of an air chamber
  • Safety ropes, grab handles and towing devices
  • Manoeuvrability and required motorization/propulsion performance
• Performance tests for boats - strength of towing devices, rowing tests, watertightness.
• Marking and instructions for use - mandatory consumer information, safe use guidance and labeling.
• Normative and informative annexes give specific provisions and example arrangements for inflatable canoes/kayaks, motor/sail options, and typical product examples.

Practical applications and users

Who benefits from ISO 25649-7:

• Manufacturers and designers of inflatable boats, canoes, kayaks and tenders - to design compliant products and define safe load/stability limits.
• Product testing laboratories - to perform standardized tests for hull integrity, stability, load capacity, manoeuvrability and residual buoyancy.
• Regulators and conformity assessment bodies - to assess safety for consumer markets and bathing-area use.
• Retailers and instructors - to verify product labeling, instructions and suitability for intended use (shore zones, tenders, recreational paddling).
• Consumers - rely indirectly on clearer safety markings and instructions when selecting small boats and inflatable leisure articles.

Related standards

• ISO 25649-1 and ISO 25649-2 (general requirements and classification for floating leisure articles) - ISO 25649‑7 is intended to be used together with these parts.

Keywords: ISO 25649-7:2017, Class E devices, floating leisure articles, safety requirements, test methods, inflatable boats, canoes, kayaks, stability, load capacity, residual buoyancy.