ISO 27991:2008

Overview

ISO 27991:2008 is an international standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that specifies the means of communication between the embarkation station of a Marine Evacuation System (MES) and the platform or survival craft secured at the end of the system passage. This standard supports compliance with SOLAS regulation III/6.4.4, contributing to the safety and efficacy of marine evacuation procedures. Clear and reliable communication during an evacuation is critical for the safe and controlled transfer of personnel from ships to survival crafts, particularly in emergency situations onboard vessels.

ISO 27991:2008 establishes essential communication protocols and equipment requirements to ensure operators and receivers coordinating MES operations can exchange vital messages effectively, minimizing risks during evacuation.

Key Topics

• Scope and Purpose
  Defines communication requirements for MES embarkation stations and adjoining platforms or survival crafts, ensuring effective control and safety during evacuations on ships equipped with MES.

• Communication Principles
  Communication methods must be simple, clear, and unambiguous. Primarily between the operator at the embarkation station and the receiver at the platform or survival craft, ensuring continuous feedback on evacuation status.

• Communication Means

  • Visual signals: Light signals (e.g., LEDs, lamps) with internationally recognized color codes-red for stop/danger, green for safe/go-and hand signals where clear visibility exists.
  • Auditory signals: Voice communication (verbal without amplification), radio, horns, whistles, megaphones-effective under various environmental noise and weather conditions.

• Functional Requirements
  Communication devices must be ergonomically positioned, reliable throughout evacuation, visible in daylight and night conditions, resistant to environmental factors like temperature (-30°C to +65°C), humidity, vibration, and harsh weather including Beaufort scale wind force 6.

• Testing and Verification
  The standard mandates thorough testing of communication means within actual MES operations for correct, safe, and durable functionality. Signals must be interpretable under daylight and nighttime conditions as well as in challenging marine environments with high waves and strong winds.

• Message Protocols
  Key messages for exchange include commands to start or stop evacuation, changes in evacuation pace, and incident identification-critical for coordinated evacuation management.

Applications

ISO 27991:2008 is relevant for:

• Shipbuilders and Marine Equipment Manufacturers
  Guiding the design and integration of MES communication systems that meet international safety regulations.

• Ship Operators and Crew
  Supporting clear communication protocols to efficiently manage evacuation drills and real incidents, enhancing onboard safety.

• Safety Inspectors and Regulators
  Providing criteria for evaluating and certifying MES communication systems aligned with SOLAS requirements.

• Maritime Training Organizations
  Established procedures and message protocols serve as the basis for evacuation training to ensure crew readiness.

• Equipment Maintenance and Testing Providers
  Offering standards-based test methods to verify communication system reliability under operational and environmental conditions.

By adhering to ISO 27991:2008, maritime stakeholders enhance emergency preparedness, reduce miscommunication risks during evacuation, and conform to internationally mandated safety norms.

Related Standards

• SOLAS (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea) Regulation III/6.4.4
  Governs marine evacuation system requirements including communication means.

• IEC 60529 - IP Code
  Specifies degrees of protection for enclosures of electrical equipment; referenced for communication device sealing requirements.

• IMO International Life-Saving Appliance (LSA) Code
  Provides broader guidelines on life-saving equipment performance and testing.

• IMO Recommendations on Testing of Life-Saving Appliances
  Defines testing procedures ensuring MES and communication systems function as intended.

• ISO/TC 8 and Subcommittee SC 1
  Technical committees responsible for marine technology and life-saving/appliances standards development.

By implementing ISO 27991:2008, the maritime industry strengthens evacuation communication, promoting safety, compliance, and operational effectiveness critical during maritime emergencies.