Overview - ISO 16706:2016 (Marine evacuation systems - Load calculations and testing)
ISO 16706:2016 provides a standardized calculation method and factory test procedure for applying a static load test to the structural attachments of marine evacuation systems (MES) on ships. The standard defines how to calculate the maximum load arising from wind and hydrodynamic drag on fully loaded liferafts and floating platforms and prescribes the static test magnitude and acceptance criteria to ensure secure attachment of passages, slides and platforms used during evacuation.
Key technical topics and requirements
- Scope: Calculation method for static load testing of structural attachments of marine evacuation systems (blocks, falls, pad eyes, links, fastenings, etc.).
- Load case definition: Loads are calculated for the system deployed with the ship making 3 knots ahead and a head wind of force 10 (Beaufort).
- Wind force calculation: Wind force F = P × A, where P (wind pressure) is linked to Beaufort 10 (unit value 504 N/m² or alternative height-dependent values) and A is the sum of projected exposed areas with drag coefficients (α, β, θ).
- Hydrodynamic drag: Total drag R = pressure drag (Rp) + friction drag (Rf). Annex A gives formulas for:
- Pressure drag using Cp (recommended 0.60) and projected area (T × d).
- Friction drag using wetted surface S and a Reynolds-number-dependent friction coefficient.
- Reynolds number calculation using 3 kn flow velocity and standard seawater properties.
- Static load test: Apply 2.2 × the maximum calculated load to each structural attachment for a minimum of 30 minutes.
- Acceptance criteria: After testing there shall be no significant deformation, fracture, stranding to connections or other damage attributable to the test.
- Normative references: SOLAS, the LSA Code, IMO testing recommendations (MSC.81(70)), and the 2008 IS Code.
Practical applications and who uses ISO 16706:2016
- Marine evacuation system manufacturers - to size and test attachment fittings and certify MES designs.
- Shipbuilders and naval architects - to ensure MES installation meets regulatory static-load requirements.
- Classification societies and maritime administrations - for approval and inspection of MES attachments and test witness procedures.
- Test laboratories and shipyards - to perform consistent factory static load tests and document compliance.
- Design engineers - to calculate wind and drag loads on liferafts, platforms and passages during evacuation scenarios.
Related standards and keywords
- Related references: SOLAS, LSA Code, IMO MSC.81(70), 2008 IS Code.
- SEO keywords: ISO 16706:2016, marine evacuation systems, load calculations, static load test, structural attachments, Beaufort scale, wind pressure, hydrodynamic drag, liferaft testing, maritime safety.
ISO 16706:2016 helps harmonize engineering calculations and factory tests so MES attachments provide reliable performance under prescribed wind-and-drift evacuation conditions.