What is ISO 23121-1 - Gas supply system of Inflatable buoyancy support systems about?
ISO 23121-1 is the first part of the ISO 23121-1 series of standards that specifies general requirements, the installation, and the activation of the gas supply system of inflatable buoyancy support systems. Inflatable buoyancy support systems serves as residual buoyancy for damaged ships not to sink or capsize and can be installed in machinery spaces and/or cargo holds.
ISO 23121-1 is intended to ensure the functions of the gas supply system, which uses a gas media, such as an asphyxiant, to inflate the buoyancy chamber of the inflatable buoyancy support systems.
Who is ISO 23121-1 - Gas supply system of Inflatable buoyancy support systems for?
ISO 23121-1 on gas supply system is useful for:
- Inflatable buoyancy support systems manufacturers
- Inflatable buoyancy support systems installers
- Shipbuilders
- Shipowners
Why should you use ISO 23121-1 - Gas supply system of Inflatable buoyancy support systems?
In case of marine accidents, such as collisions and groundings, excessive damage and flooding can cause the ship to sink, capsize or impede the use of its essential navigation equipment. As a ship has watertight bulkheads, doors, hatches, and other equipment, the consequences of flooding accidents can usually be mitigated at the early phases of the accident. Subsequently, the progressive flooding after an important accident can cause the sinking or capsizing of the ship.
To counter these problems, inflatable buoyancy support systems can be used, which are composed of a gas supply system and a buoyancy chamber, where the gas supply system provides the medium for the inflation of the buoyancy chamber. A fixed fire extinguisher can be used as a gas inlet when the ship is at risk of sinking or overturning. When fire extinguishers are used to supply the media into the buoyancy chamber, additional means must be available not to impair fire-fighting, following IMO SOLAS, Regulation. Buoyancy chambers have various shapes and capacities to aid a damaged ship’s buoyancy. ISO 23121-1 provides requirements for a gas supply system of inflated buoyancy support system to be followed while manufacturing which ensures conformance to standard regulations while manufacturing. ISO 23121-1 ensures that the gas supply system is of good quality and performance.