Overview
EN ISO 19009:2015 - "Small craft - Electric navigation lights - Performance of LED lights" (ISO 19009:2015) is a CEN-adopted international standard that specifies performance requirements and test methods for permanently fixed LED navigation lights for small craft up to 24 m hull length. The document sets out photometric, colorimetric, electrical, mechanical and environmental criteria to ensure reliable visibility, safety and regulatory compliance of marine LED lighting.
Key topics and technical requirements
The standard addresses practical and testable aspects of LED navigation lights, including:
- Scope and definitions: applicability to permanently fixed LED assemblies on small craft (≤ 24 m).
- Photometric performance: luminous intensity and range of visibility; horizontal and vertical luminous intensity distribution; test voltage and photometric measurement procedures.
- Colorimetric requirements: chromaticity coordinates and color stability under operating conditions.
- Flashing lights: requirements and measurement methods for flashing/navigation signal characteristics.
- Electrical and supply requirements: electrical safety, power-supply influence and extreme supply conditions.
- Environmental and mechanical durability:
- Vibration, rain and spray, solar radiation, salt‑mist corrosion
- Mechanical shock, housing temperature and thermal influences
- Compass safe distance and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
- Service-life deviations: how aging and temperature affect luminous intensity and chromaticity.
- Testing framework: photometric/colorimetric tests, temperature influence tests, flashing-light measurement, plus references and supplements to IEC 60945:2002 where applicable.
- Documentation and marking: required test documentation and product marking for identification and compliance.
- Regulatory linkage: informative Annex ZA relates the standard to EU Directive 2013/53/EC (recreational craft).
Applications and practical value
EN ISO 19009:2015 is used to:
- Design, test and certify LED navigation lights for compliance with recognized marine safety performance benchmarks.
- Guide manufacturers in specifying photometric, colorimetric and environmental performance for product development.
- Provide test laboratories and approval bodies with standardized test methods to assess LED navigation lights.
- Help boat builders, refitters and procurement teams choose compliant LED lighting for small craft.
- Support conformity assessment and market access in Europe by aligning with EU Directive requirements when cited.
Who should use this standard
- Marine lighting manufacturers and R&D teams
- Test laboratories and conformity assessment bodies
- Small craft designers, naval architects and boat builders
- Regulatory authorities and notified bodies
- Purchasing/specification professionals and marine equipment distributors
Related standards
- IEC 60945:2002 (maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment - referenced for validity and supplementary tests)
- EU Directive 2013/53/EC (recreational craft) - Annex ZA links EN ISO 19009 to essential requirements for market conformity
Keywords: EN ISO 19009:2015, LED navigation lights, small craft, photometric tests, colorimetric requirements, marine lighting, IEC 60945, EU Directive 2013/53/EC, CEN.