What is ISO 6218- Manually- and power-operated coupling devices about?
ISO 6218 specifies dimensions and safety requirements for manually operated and power operated coupling devices used for assembling inland navigation vessels as push tows or for coupling vessels alongside by means of rope connections. The coupling device secures the stable positioning of the coupled vessels. Safety requirements to protect operators from accidents during the creation, operation, and separation of the rope connections of push tows and vessels coupled alongside are specified in ISO 6218. ISO 6218 also gives rules for designation and testing.
Who is ISO 6218 - Manually- and power-operated coupling devices for?
ISO 6218 on coupling devices is useful for:
- Ship manufacturers
- Coupling device manufacturers
- Maritime authorities
- Civil engineers
- Safety department
Why should you use ISO 6218 - Manually- and power-operated coupling devices?
Manually operated coupling devices consist of a handwheel, a gear, a rope drum with rope fastening, a footbrake, an arresting device, and a winch plate. Power-operated coupling devices consist of a power unit (e.g. electric motor, hydraulic power pack) with controls and gearing, a rope drum with rope fastening, an arresting device, and a winch plate.
The coupling device shall be constructed such that even under the most severe expected conditions, resulting, for example, from the size of the coupled vessels, the actuating power, the meteorological conditions, the wave height, etc., there is no danger to crew members, for example from breaking ropes, or crushing or shearing parts.
ISO 6218 provides requirements and test methods that you can follow while manufacturing that ensure standardized and safe coupling devices with good performance.