Introduced in the 5th amendment of the Marine Equipment Directive, ISO24408 introduced high quality testing standards for all manufacturers of position indicating lights (A.1/1.2) to adhere to in production, similar to the requirements for type approval MSC81(70). This standard has now been removed from the 6th amendment but Daniamant feel that production testing is the only way that manufacturers, Notified Bodies and Administrations can ensure that the products produced today meet the same exacting high standards demanded by type approval.ISO24408 was never designed for comprehensive type approval, those requirements are already detailed in MSC81(70) and the LSA Code – it was designed to ensure that type approved product was kept at the same standard when in manufacture. IMO, through SOLAS Chapter III Regulation 5 states:“The Administration shall require life saving appliances to be subjected to such production tests as are necessary to ensure that the life saving appliances are manufactured to the same standard as the approved prototype”.
After significant investment, Daniamant continue to test all of its survivor location lights to these demanding standards. This means that the product you receive has been through a testing regime similar to original type approval and ensures you only receive high quality product. Daniamant continues to lobby Notified Bodies, Administrations, EMSA and EMEC for these production testing standards to be mandatory, reminding all those parties involved in advising on maritime matters, who have influence and are able to comment on the Marine Equipment Directive:Article 1(a) of the IMO Convention states that IMO should “facilitate the general adoption of the highest practicable standards in matters concerning…maritime safety”. ISO24408 is the only standard available today that allows for consistency in how manufacturers ensure production units meet the same standards as those units that were type approved. This is a philosophy that Daniamant will continue to uphold.