1. Introduction to the Standard
This document, ISO 6185-1:2001, serves as a critical international standard outlining the minimum safety characteristics required for the design, selection of materials, manufacturing processes, and testing procedures for inflatable boats. Its primary purpose is to ensure the safety and reliability of these vessels.
It is essential for manufacturers, regulatory bodies, and users to understand the provisions within this standard to ensure compliance and safe operation of inflatable boats.
2. Scope and Applicability
The ISO 6185-1:2001 standard applies to inflatable boats, including rigid inflatable boats, that meet specific criteria:
- Overall length less than 8 meter.
- Minimum buoyancy of 1 800 Newtons.
- Intended for use within operating temperatures ranging from −5 °C til +60 °C.
The standard categorizes inflatable boats into several types based on their propulsion and design:
- Type I: Inflatable boats propelled exclusively by manual means.
- Type II: Inflatable boats capable of taking a maximum motor power of 4,5 kW.
- Type III: Inflatable canoes and kayaks (further detailed in normative annex A).
- Type IV: Inflatable craft propelled by sail with a maximum sail area of 6 m² (further detailed in normative annex B).
It is important to note that this standard udelukker single-chambered boats and is not applicable to aquatic toys or inflatable liferafts.
3. Key Requirements and Specifications
The standard details various technical specifications and requirements to ensure the safety and performance of inflatable boats. These include, but are not limited to:
- Design Principles: Guidelines for the structural integrity and stability of the boat.
- Materiale specifikationer: Requirements for the durability, strength, and resistance of materials used in construction.
- Manufacturing Processes: Standards for the assembly and finishing of the boats to ensure consistent quality.
- Testprocedurer: Protocols for evaluating buoyancy, stability, pressure retention, and other critical safety aspects.
- Motorens effekt: Specific criteria for boats designed to accommodate motors, with a defined maximum power rating of 4.5 kW for Type II boats.
4. Understanding and Applying the Standard
To effectively utilize ISO 6185-1:2001, users should:
- Familiarize themselves with the definitions and terminology used within the document.
- Forsigtigt vedrview the specific requirements for each boat type relevant to their application.
- Implement the prescribed testing methods to verify compliance.
Adherence to this standard is crucial for ensuring that inflatable boats meet international safety benchmarks, thereby protecting users and promoting responsible manufacturing practices.
5. Document Visual Reference

The image displays the cover page of the ISO 6185-1:2001 standard. It features the title 'INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 6185-1' at the top, followed by 'Inflatable boats - Part 1: Boats with a maximum motor power rating of 4,5 kW'. The ISO logo is visible at the bottom, indicating its origin from the International Organization for Standardization.
6. Further Information and Support
For a complete understanding and official copy of the ISO 6185-1:2001 standard, it is recommended to obtain the full document directly from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) or its authorized distributors, such as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
The full standard includes detailed annexes (e.g., Annex A for canoes and kayaks, Annex B for sail craft) and comprehensive technical drawings and specifications necessary for full compliance.





