Standardization News

Photo Courtesy of Francois Rigaud

The future is now: jet packs are real. One of the latest trends in water sports is the rise of water-propelled jet packs that provide thrilling rides on, and above, the water. To keep the jet pack industry progressing safely, an ASTM subcommittee is now developing a new standard, WK47642, Practice for Water Propelled Jet Packs for Commercial Use.

WK47642 will provide guidelines and procedures for the operation, maintenance and inspection of water-propelled jet packs, equipment and associated activities.

"Water jet packs are a relatively new sport, which grew very quickly," says ASTM member David Duprat, director of operations, Atlanticorp LLC. "Our main goal behind this standard is to keep the sport safe."

Duprat notes that primary users of the proposed standard will be those who run commercial operations that provide jet pack rental rides, with the possibility that regulatory bodies such as the U.S. Coast Guard will also use WK47642.

The standard will encompass the full realm of jet pack-related products that currently exist. While not all of the products to be covered under WK47642 have the same specific functionality, they share similar characteristics - most obviously, water propulsion - that will allow all to be covered.

Subcommittee F24.70 on Water Related Amusement Rides and Devices, part of ASTM International Committee F24 on Amusement Rides and Devices, is developing WK47642. All interested parties, particularly those who currently run water jet pack businesses, are encouraged to join in the ongoing development of WK47642.

CONTACT Technical Information: David Duprat, Atlanticorp LLC • Fort Lauderdale, Fla. • tel +1.305.915.7450 | ASTM Staff: Katerina Koperna • tel +1.610.832.9728 | Upcoming Meeting: Oct. 14-17 • October Committee Week • San Diego, Calif.