Overview
ISO 7236:2014 - Ships and marine technology - Inland navigation vessels - Mounting attachments for demountable signal masts for push-tows - defines uniform requirements for mounting attachments used to accept demountable signal masts (with an integral mast lower part) on push barges. The standard covers construction, dimensions, manufacture, arrangement and means of attachment to ensure quick, safe and repeatable mast installation for push-tow operations.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope: Applies to mounting attachments for demountable masts used to place navigation lights on push barges; upper mast design and light arrangements are governed by local navigation regulations.
- Components defined:
- Mast stand - fixed to the deck; accepts the mast lower part and prevents rotation about the vertical axis.
- Mast clamp - secures the top of the mast lower part; only captive screws/nuts/wing nuts permitted.
- Mounting attachment - the assembly of mast stand and mast clamp, arranged to keep the mast axis perpendicular to the design waterline.
- Dimensional and arrangement requirements:
- Specified dimensions and tolerances (figures and mast lower part dimensions are provided in the standard and Annex A).
- Bearing pins of the mast stand must be aligned parallel to the vessel’s longitudinal and transverse axes.
- Attachments on vessel sides must allow masts to be mounted parallel to the longitudinal vertical plane and must not intrude into walkway clear width.
- Centre attachments may be rotatable by 90° for mounting parallel to the transverse plane where needed.
- Materials and fasteners:
- Weldable steel per EN 10025-2 for structural parts.
- Screws, nuts and bolts for clamps in stainless steel or other non‑corrodible materials.
- Typical clamp hardware is shown (e.g., M12 screws and wingnuts) - captive fastenings required.
- Testing and designation:
- Compliance checked by visual examination and measurement.
- Designation example: “Mounting attachment ISO 7236”.
Applications and who uses it
- Shipbuilders and fabricators building push barges and push vessels.
- Naval architects and marine engineers specifying deck fittings and mast interfaces.
- Equipment manufacturers (mast stands, clamps) producing standardized attachments.
- Classification societies, port/harbour authorities and ship operators for procurement, inspection, retrofit and safety compliance.
- Maintenance teams performing inspections, replacements or upgrades of mast attachments.
Related standards / references
- ISO 2768-1 - General tolerances for linear and angular dimensions.
- EN 10025-2 - Technical delivery conditions for non-alloy structural steels.
Keywords: ISO 7236:2014, mounting attachments, demountable signal masts, push-tows, inland navigation vessels, mast stand, mast clamp, push barge, mast lower part, EN 10025-2, ISO 2768.