SIST EN ISO 6185-4:2018 PDF

Overview

EN ISO 6185-4:2018 (Inflatable boats - Part 4) sets minimum safety characteristics for rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) with a hull length of 8 m to 24 m and motor power 15 kW and greater. Prepared by ISO/TC 188 and adopted by CEN, it covers design, materials, manufacture and testing of RIBs intended for use between −20 °C and +60 °C. The standard applies to Type IX and Type X RIBs and aligns with the essential requirements of EU Directive 2013/53/EU (see Annex ZA).

Key topics and technical requirements

The standard addresses practical and testable safety requirements, including:

• Scope & applicability
  • Type IX: inshore/sheltered waters, up to Beaufort 6 and significant wave heights ≤ 2 m (design categories C and D); motor power ≥ 15 kW.
  • Type X: more exposed waters, up to Beaufort 8 and significant wave heights ≤ 4 m (design category B); motor power ≥ 75 kW.
  • Operating temperature range −20 °C to +60 °C.
• Exclusions
  • Single‑chamber boats; boats with buoyancy < 1 800 N; unsupported materials with inflated buoyancy > 12 kN powered by > 4.5 kW; aquatic toys and liferafts (ISO 9650).
• Materials and construction
  • Requirements for buoyancy tube materials, foam‑filled tubes, hull materials (GRP, metal, wood) and components.
• Functional components
  • Transom, valves, steering systems, seating, towing/anchoring strong points, electrical installations, engines and ventilation, navigation lights, gas systems, fire protection.
• Performance & safety tests
  • Buoyancy, compartmentation, nominal pressures, strength tests (tube and rigid structure), static stability, maximum load and permissible persons, self‑bailing, man‑overboard prevention and recovery.
• Information & marking
  • Builder’s plate, craft identification and detailed owner’s manual (including repair/maintenance instructions).
• Environmental & operational considerations
  • Discharge prevention, noise emissions for certain engine installations.

Applications and who uses it

EN ISO 6185-4:2018 is used by:

• Boat builders and naval architects designing and certifying RIBs (8–24 m).
• Marine engineers and test laboratories conducting strength, buoyancy and stability tests.
• Regulatory authorities and conformity assessors verifying compliance with EU Directive 2013/53/EU.
• Fleet operators, rescue services and commercial users who require documented safety and operational limits for medium‑to‑large RIBs.

Related standards

• EN ISO 6185 (other parts) - inflatable boats series
• EN ISO 12217-1 - stability and freeboard (referenced for static stability)
• ISO 9650 - inflatable liferafts (excluded from this part)

This standard is essential for ensuring RIB safety, reliable manufacture and regulatory conformity for medium and large inflatable boats used in professional and leisure marine operations. Keywords: EN ISO 6185-4:2018, rigid inflatable boats, RIB safety, buoyancy, static stability, design category B C D, CEN, ISO.