ISO 12402: International standard for personal flotation devices (lifejackets and buoyancy aids)



The ISO 12402 series for personal flotation devices (lifejackets and buoyancy aids) was prepared by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) Technical Committee CEN/TC 162, Protective clothing including hand and arm protection and lifejackets, in collaboration with Technical Committee ISO/TC 188, Small craft, in accordance with the Agreement on technical cooperation between ISO and CEN (Vienna Agreement).

ISO 12402 consists of the following parts, under the general title Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs):

  • Part 2: Lifejackets, performance level 275 — Safety requirements
  • Part 3: Lifejackets, performance level 150 — Safety requirements
  • Part 4: Lifejackets, performance level 100 — Safety requirements
  • Part 5: Buoyancy aids (level 50) — Safety requirements
  • Part 6: Special purpose lifejackets and buoyancy aids — Safety requirements and additional test methods
  • Part 7: Materials and components — Safety requirements and test methods
  • Part 8: Accessories — Safety requirements and test methods
  • Part 9: Test methods

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization. International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.