Small craft - Owner's manual (ISO 10240:2019)

Normative basis and technical specifications

DIN EN ISO 10240:2020 represents the updated version of the international standard for owner's manuals for small craft and replaces the previous edition from 2015. This standard was developed by Technical Committee ISO/TC 188 "Small craft" in cooperation with CEN/SS T01 "Shipbuilding and marine installations" and complies with the requirements of the EU Recreational Craft Directive 2013/53/EU.

Technical innovations and changes compared to 2015

Structured content requirements for owner's manuals

General information requirements

The standard stipulates that every owner's manual must contain the following core information:

Manufacturer's information: Complete contact details of the manufacturer or distributor, as well as the model and type designation of the watercraft.

Design categories: Detailed description of the four design categories with specific wind and wave conditions:

• Category A: Wind up to Beaufort 10 (approx. 32 m/s gusts)
• Category B: Wind up to Beaufort 8 (approx. 27 m/s gusts)
• Category C: Wind up to Beaufort 6 (approx. 18 m/s gusts)
• Category D: Wind up to Beaufort 4 (approx. 12 m/s gusts)

Technical Specifications

For correct documentation, precise information on mass and dimensions is required:

Mass specifications: Mass in light load condition (mLC), maximum payload (mMBP) and mass of the fully loaded vessel (mLDC) according to ISO 14946 and ISO 8666:2016.

Dimensions: Hull length (LH), width (BH), maximum length (Lmax) and width (Bmax) as well as bridge clearance and draught under different loading conditions.

Safety-relevant requirements and hazard management

Hazard categorization and warnings

The standard defines four mandatory safety levels for Warnings:

Danger: Imminent fatal danger - only for the most extreme situations

Warning: Potential fatal danger - if ignored

Caution: Potential injury - minor to moderate injuries

Note: Important non-hazardous information

Specific safety areas

Flooding risk and stability: Comprehensive requirements on hull openings, bilge pumps, transverse stability and righting behavior after capsizing according to ISO 12217-1/2/3.

Fire and explosion protection: Detailed regulations for propulsion engines, gas systems (LPG) according to ISO 10239:2014 and fire protection equipment according to ISO 9094:2015.

Electrical safety: Requirements for DC and AC systems according to ISO 10133:2012, ISO 13297:2014 and ISO 16315:2016 for electric propulsion systems.

Environmental and operational regulations

Environmental protection requirements

The standard integrates comprehensive environmental protection regulations:

Wastewater management: Specifications for holding tanks according to ISO 8099-1:2018 including maintenance, emptying procedures and chemical additives.

Fuel systems: Specifications for fuel tanks with reference to 20% reserve and correct refueling procedures.

International regulations: Reference to MARPOL and national environmental laws.

Operational restrictions and recommendations

Personnel capacity: Mandatory indication of the maximum number of persons taking into account Adult-child combinations.

Loading regulations: Precise specifications for load distribution and trim control with warnings about exceeding the maximum payload.

Maneuvering guidelines: Specific instructions for engine operation, emergency steering, and maneuvering in various sea conditions.

Legal conformity and EU directives

Conformity with Recreational Craft Directive 2013/53/EU

The standard meets all essential requirements of the EU directive according to Annex ZA and provides presumption of conformity for manufacturers.

CE marking: The standard supports CE marking through standardized manufacturer plates with at least 8 mandatory pieces of information.

National implementation: Mandatory adoption in all 33 CEN member countries by July 2020.

Technical Documentation Requirements

For the declaration of conformity, manufacturers must provide the following documentation:

Technical design file: Comprehensive documentation of all safety-relevant aspects

Operating instructions: Complete owner's manuals in the national language(s)

Conformity assessment: Documentation of the assessment procedures performed

Implementation recommendations for manufacturers and owners

Manufacturer guidelines

Multilingualism: Manuals must be available in the languages of the countries of use; electronic versions must be printable.

Modularity: Comprehensive manuals for several models are permitted, but must be adapted to each model.

Illustrations: Use of graphic symbols according to ISO 8999:2001 and ISO 11192:2005 with optional textual Explanations.

Owner Recommendations

Handling and Instruction: Detailed instruction in the handling of the watercraft, especially when changing types or for newcomers.

Maintenance Intervals: Regular inspection of all safety-relevant systems according to the manufacturer's specifications.

Environmental Protection: Compliance with local environmental regulations and responsible use of wastewater systems.

Future Developments and Technical Outlook

The standard already takes future technological developments into account:

Electric Drives: Integration of ISO 16315:2016 for electric drive systems

Digital Documentation: Requirements for electronic manuals and printability

Environmental Standards: Extended requirements for wastewater and exhaust systems

Continuous adaptation to new technologies and safety findings ensures the long-term relevance of the standard for the small watercraft industry.