ISO 25649-7:2024

Overview

ISO 25649-7:2024 - Floating leisure articles for use on and in the water - Part 7 - specifies additional safety requirements and test methods for Class E devices. It covers inflatable and inherently buoyant small boats with a hull length > 1.2 m and < 2.5 m and buoyancy up to (less than) 1 800 N. Class E devices include inflatable boats, canoes, kayaks and small tenders intended for use in bathing areas or protected shore zones.

This second edition updates test methods, construction and marking requirements and adds consumer supervision guidance for at‑risk groups (children, non‑swimmers, elderly).

Key topics and technical requirements

The standard provides practical, testable requirements across design, performance and user information, including:

• Materials and construction - requirements for hull materials, reinforcement and conditioning.
• Hull integrity and watertightness - tests to verify sustained hull performance and behaviour after air chamber failure.
• Manual lifting, carrying and towing devices - strength tests for handles, towing points and attachments.
• Rowlocks, oars and propulsion - requirements and test methods for rowing equipment; assessment of motor and sail options where offered.
• Stability and buoyancy - static stability tests, residual buoyancy requirements, and criteria for dimensional stability when boarding or disembarking.
• Load and capacity - minimum area per person, maximum permissible number of persons and maximum load capacity testing.
• Safety fittings - safety ropes, grab handles, drainage and seating/attachment system tests.
• Manoeuvrability and performance - practical trials for steering, rowing power and motorization suitability.
• Marking and instructions for use - mandatory marking, consumer information and specific supervision advice for vulnerable users.
• Annexes for inflatable canoes, kayaks, sit‑on‑tops and boats with motor or sail kits, plus example arrangements.

Applications and practical value

ISO 25649-7 is intended to ensure that Class E floating leisure articles are safe, reliable and appropriately documented for recreational use in sheltered waters. Typical applications:

• Design and certification of inflatable boats, kayaks and small tenders
• Product development and QC testing by manufacturers
• Type testing by independent test laboratories and conformity assessors
• Guidance for retailers and consumer safety organizations on labeling and instructions
• Informing procurement and regulatory reviews for sheltered‑water recreational craft

Who uses this standard

Manufacturers, designers, test labs, conformity assessment bodies, safety regulators, retailers and consumer advocacy groups involved with small recreational boats and floating leisure articles.

Related standards

• ISO 25649-1:2024 - General classification and requirements for floating leisure articles (reference for Class E definitions)
• Other parts of the ISO 25649 series covering different classes and product categories

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