Standards Development

Scope

This document specifies methods for evaluating the stability and buoyancy of intact (i.e. undamaged) craft. The flotation characteristics of craft susceptible to swamping are also encompassed.

The evaluation of stability and buoyancy properties using this document will enable the craft to be assigned to a design category (A, B, C or D) appropriate to its stability and buoyancy characteristics.

This document is principally applicable to small craft propelled primarily by sail (even if fitted with an auxiliary engine) of 2,5 m up to and including 24 m hull length.

In relation to habitable multihulls, this document includes assessment of susceptibility to inversion, definition of viable means of escape and requirements for inverted flotation.

This document excludes:

— inflatable and rigid-inflatable craft covered by the ISO 6185 series, except for references made in the ISO 6185 series to specific clauses of the ISO 12217 series;

— aquatic toys;

— gondolas and pedalos;

— surfboards including sailing surfboards; and

— hydrofoils and foil stabilized craft when not operating in the displacement mode.

NOTE Displacement mode means that the craft is only supported by hydrostatic forces.

It does not include or evaluate the effects on stability of towing, fishing, or lifting operations or dynamic stability of high speed arecraft, which need to be separately considered if appropriate.