Overview
ISO 10239:2025 - Small craft - Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) systems - is the fourth edition of the international standard that specifies safety and installation requirements for permanently installed LPG systems and LPG-burning appliances on small craft (recreational boats and similar watercraft up to 24 m length of hull). The standard also covers the storage of LPG cylinders and portable cooking appliances with internal LPG cartridges up to 225 g (see Annex D). It does not apply to LPG-fuelled propulsion engines or LPG-driven generators, nor does it contain commissioning or maintenance procedures.
Key topics and technical requirements
ISO 10239:2025 addresses the full scope of LPG installation safety on small craft through structured clauses and normative annexes. Major technical topics include:
- Design and general provisions for permanently installed LPG systems and components (Clause 4).
- Pressure regulating devices and their location relative to the high- and low-pressure sides (Clause 5).
- LPG supply lines: piping, hose assemblies, materials and installation practices to minimise leaks and pressure drop (Clause 6 and Annex A).
- Appliance requirements for LPG-burning devices and classification of room-sealed vs open-flued appliances (Clause 7 and definitions).
- Ducts, flues, ventilation and combustion air requirements to ensure safe combustion and exhaust (Clause 8 and Annex B).
- Cylinder storage: location and construction of cylinder lockers and cylinder housings, drainage and overboard venting (Clause 9 and Annex E).
- Shut-off valves, flame supervision devices, tightness testing and commissioning labels to support safe operation and traceability (Clauses 6.6, 11, 12).
- Owner’s manual content and ignition protection from electrical devices (Clauses 14, 13 and Annex C).
The standard references other relevant documents (e.g., ISO 8846 for ignition protection) and includes both normative and informative annexes with examples and instructions.
Practical applications and users
ISO 10239:2025 is used to design, specify and verify safe LPG systems on small craft. Typical users include:
- Boat builders and naval architects integrating LPG installations during design and construction.
- Marine systems installers and technicians responsible for installing piping, regulators, lockers and appliances.
- Equipment manufacturers producing marine LPG appliances, regulators, hoses and lockers.
- Surveyors, classification societies and regulators assessing compliance with international safety norms.
- Boat owners and fleet operators seeking clear guidance on safe cylinder storage, ventilation and owner manual content.
Related standards
ISO 10239:2025 cross-references and complements standards such as ISO 8846 (electrical ignition protection), ISO 8666 (small craft principal data) and relevant EN standards for fittings, regulators and sealing materials. National regulations for LPG cylinders or local codes may also apply and should be consulted.
Keywords: ISO 10239:2025, LPG systems, small craft, liquefied petroleum gas, cylinder locker, cylinder housing, pressure regulator, marine safety, LPG installation.