This International Standard specifies the minimum requirements for coated fabrics, and test procedures for those fabrics, for use in the construction of inflatable chambers of rescue boats complying with the 1974 Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS), as amended; Chapter I, paragraph 1.2, and Chapter V of the International Life-Saving Appliance Code [IMO Resolution MSC.48 (66)]; and the IMO Assembly resolution A.689(17), as amended. These coated fabrics consist of a base textile with a synthetic elastomeric or plastomeric compound applied to one or both faces.

Requirements for fabrics for inflatable boats other than SOLAS rescue boats are contained in ISO 6185:1982, Shipbuilding and marine structures - Inflatable boats - Boats made of reinforced elastomers or plastomers.