ISO 12217-3:2013

The evaluation of stability and buoyancy properties using ISO 12217-3:2013 will enable the boat to be assigned to a design category (C or D) appropriate to its design and maximum load.

ISO 12217-3:2013 is applicable to boats of hull length less than 6 m, whether propelled by human or mechanical power, except habitable sailing multihulls. Boats of hull length less than 6 m which are fitted with a full deck and quick-draining cockpit(s) complying with ISO 11812 may alternatively be assessed using ISO 12217-1 or ISO 12217-2 (for non-sailing and sailing boats, respectively), in which case higher design categories may be assigned.

In relation to habitable multihulls, ISO 12217-3:2013 includes assessment of vulnerability to inversion, definition of viable means of escape and requirements for inverted flotation.

ISO 12217-3:2013 excludes:

• inflatable and rigid-inflatable boats covered by ISO 6185, except for references made in ISO 6185 to specific clauses of ISO 12217;
• personal watercraft covered by ISO 13590 and other similar powered craft;
• aquatic toys;
• canoes and kayaks;
• gondolas and pedalos;
• sailing surfboards;
• surfboards, including powered surfboards;
• hydrofoils, foil stabilized boats and hovercraft when not operating in the displacement mode (displacement mode means that the boat is not only supported by hydrostatic forces); and
• submersibles.

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