This International Standard specifies the requirements of performances, design, construction, safety, maintenance and test of launching appliances for davit-launched lifeboats.

This International Standard is applicable to launching appliances for davit-launched lifeboats as well as launching appliances for davit-launched rescue boats on every kind of sea-going ship, including launching appliances for fast rescue boats on ro-ro passenger ships, but is not applicable to launching appliances for free-fall lifeboats. This International Standard is also a reference for similar appliances on inland ships.