ASTM Parasailing Standard addresses weather conditions.
Press Release Summary:
Because weather, particularly gusty wind, has been a variable in parasailing accidents, ASTM subcommittee F24.65 on Parasailing has developed ASTM F2993, Guide for Monitoring Weather Conditions for Safe Parasail Operation. Standard is a step in the right direction to keep parasail operators alert and to monitor weather in a proper fashion. Once insurance industry is aware of ASTM F2993, companies will most likely adjust their policies to reference the standard.
Original Press Release:
New ASTM Parasailing Subcommittee Develops Guide for Monitoring Weather Conditions
W. CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., —The growth of parasailing as an amusement activity has led to calls for standardization. A new ASTM subcommittee, F24.65 on Parasailing, will be developing standards for operations, crew proficiency and equipment. F24.65 is under the jurisdiction of ASTM International Committee F24 on Amusement Rides and Devices.
Because weather, particularly gusty wind, has been a variable in parasailing accidents, the first standard developed by F24.65 is ASTM F2993, Guide for Monitoring Weather Conditions for Safe Parasail Operation.
“This new standard is a huge step in the right direction to keep parasail operators alert and to monitor weather in a proper fashion,” says Larry Meddock, executive director, Water Sports Industry Association, and an F24 member. “ASTM F2993 may be the tipping point to ensure safe parasail operations and operators throughout the world.”
According to Meddock, insurance companies and the U.S. Coast Guard will be essential in enforcing compliance to ASTM F2993 by parasail operators. Both have been very involved in the development of the new standard
“Once the insurance industry is aware of ASTM F2993, companies will most likely adjust their policies to reference the standard,” says Meddock. “If there is an accident, an investigator will look to see if the operator was following ASTM F2993.”
Regarding the Coast Guard, Meddock notes that parasail boats must have a licensed captain to take people out in a boat for hire. If the captain goes out in weather conditions not in conformance with the standard, the captain’s license could be in jeopardy. All interested parties are invited to join Subcommittee F24.65 in its standards developing activities.
To purchase ASTM standards, visit www.astm.org and search by the standard designation, or contact ASTM Customer Relations (phone: 877-909-ASTM; sales@astm.org). ASTM International welcomes participation in the development of its standards. For more information on becoming an ASTM member, visit www.astm.org/JOIN.
ASTM International is one of the largest international standards development and delivery systems in the world. ASTM International meets the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles for the development of international standards: coherence, consensus, development dimension, effectiveness, impartiality, openness, relevance and transparency. ASTM standards are accepted and used in research and development, product testing, quality systems and commercial transactions.
For more news in this sector, visit www.astm.org/sn-consumer or follow us on Twitter @ASTMProductsRec.
ASTM Committee F24 Next Meeting: Oct. 24-26, 2013, Scottsdale, Ariz.
Technical Contact: Larry Meddock, Water Sports Industry Association, Orlando, Fla., Phone: 407-620-7992; info@wsia.net
ASTM Staff Contact: Leonard Morrissey, Phone: 610-832-9719; lmorrissey@astm.org
ASTM PR Contact: Barbara Schindler, Phone: 610-832-9603; bschindl@astm.org
