Overview
ISO 21195:2020 - Ships and marine technology - Systems for the detection of persons while going overboard (man overboard detection) - specifies technical requirements and test methods for shipboard MOB detection systems. The standard defines how systems should detect persons who have gone overboard, verify and indicate MOB events, and record relevant data. It explicitly excludes systems that rely on passengers or crew wearing or carrying a device to trigger an MOB event.
Key topics and technical requirements
ISO 21195 structures system requirements and performance verification across sensor, control, and data domains. Major topics include:
- Principle of operation & system description - required behavior of sensor units and whole-system operation.
- Control station - human observation, verification and control interfaces.
- Design and testing - requirements for light-emitting and noise-emitting components, power, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), ingress protection, environmental vibration and thermal performance.
- MOB detection performance - defined probability of detection, false alarm rate, detection zone, and standby mode behavior; includes controlled-environment and shipboard performance requirements.
- MOB indication & verification - visual and audible indications, MOB verification data for acknowledging/confirming alerts.
- Event handling and logging - MOB event messages, event logs, captured data, timestamps, data storage and retention.
- Security and integrity - user account types, access controls, anti-tamper protection and security logs.
- Testing & conformity - test manikin specifications (see clause 5.24), nominal operating conditions (wave height 0–2.5 m, no precipitation, ship speed 0–25 kn), and laboratory testing by ISO/IEC 17025 accredited bodies or approved testing by manufacturers with accredited validation.
Applications and users
ISO 21195 is practical for:
- MOB system manufacturers and developers - design to a consistent set of performance and environmental requirements.
- Shipowners, operators and shipyards - select, install and commission reliable MOB detection systems.
- Classification societies and testing laboratories - evaluate conformity, perform performance testing and approve installations.
- Maritime safety regulators and flag states - reference for procurement specifications and safety audits.
- System integrators and naval architects - integrate MOB systems with bridge systems (e.g., ECDIS, VDR/S‑VDR) and ship alarm management.
Benefits include consistent evaluation criteria, improved maritime safety, repeatable performance testing, and reduced ambiguity when comparing MOB technologies.
Related standards (normative references)
Key referenced documents include IEC 60945, IEC 61162 (all parts), IMO Resolutions A.1021(26), MSC.302(87), MSC.337(91) and ISO/IEC 17025 for laboratory competency. These support EMC, digital interfaces, alarms and laboratory testing requirements.