From October 1st, 2012, new requirements for fire protection treatments for textiles used within the marine industry came into force. The regulations are designed to ensure that, where possible, fires are prevented from occurring by ensuring that furnishing fabrics such as carpets, bedding, upholstery, draperies, curtains, and other materials will adequately restrict the spread of flame.

It is no longer enough for flame retardant products to pass the IMO FTP Code of Practice (International Maritime Organization Fire Test Procedure). The company providing the treatment must be an Approved Supplier status of Flame Retardant treatment services in accordance with MCA MGN 580 (M) - (Maritime Coastguard Agency - Marine Guidance Note). This involves strict monitoring of the company's processes and practices by a Notified Body appointed by the MCA as well as product testing conducted by an IMO approved laboratory in compliance with IMO 2010 FTP Code, including 10 cleaning cycles of the treated materials before testing.

Flame Screen Limited has achieved Approved status; and, using its flame retardant product is able to issue certification to vessels in compliance with the Large Yacht Code (LY1) (LY2) (LY3), for existing or new builds.

Interior Technology Services is able to provide this service for your vessel and provide you with the peace of mind of Certification from an Approved Supplier.

Don't take risks with your safety by using non-approved companies – your guests and crew deserve better. Contact Us today for a free consultation and quote.

How We Can Help You

We will provide you with a VALID certificate in compliance with Large Yacht Code and MCA MGN 580 (M).

Our product:

  • conforms to IMO 2010 FTP codes
  • is safe to use
  • will not affect the look or feel of the material being treated
  • has been tested to the HIGHEST AVAILABLE industry standards
  • costs as a percentage of the value of the vessel are extremely small.

Interior Technology Services, Inc.:

  • has in-house textile expertise
  • work to the exact specification defined in the codes of practice
  • only use trained and certified staff
  • work at a time and place of the Captain or owners choosing
  • provide a VALUE service at an AFFORDABLE price

What Has Changed?
Since 1st October 2012, MCA MGN 580 (M) requires the following:

  • Service Providers must be accredited and audited annually
  • Service Providers must have Textile Expertise
  • A Declaration of Conformity must be issued to the yacht and the Flag Administration
  • In depth description of materials treated
  • Product application process must be witnessed and approved by a Nominated Body
  • Product application rates must be verified
  • Product must be able to withstand pre-conditioning treatment
  • Product manufacturing facilities must be audited
  • Service Providers Quality Manual must be audited for traceability
  • Service Providers must keep records of trained and certified personnel
  • Vessel certification is recommended to be annual with a maximum of 2 years

The Detailed Changes
KEY POINTS FROM THE NEW CODE

The MCA Approval Procedures provide equivalence to inherently fire retardant materials used onboard vessels certified under the MCA Large Commercial Yacht Code. Inherently fire retardant materials must comply with the relevant 2010 IMO FTP code or be treated in accordance with the requirements of MGN 580 (M). Any alternative approvals including, but not limited to, EN or BS standards are not considered as acceptable equivalent standards by the MCA.

An Application Date of 1 October 2012 applied for Service Providers to comply with these Procedures, after which date, the Service Provider of any fire retardant treatment used to protect floor coverings, suspended textile materials, upholstery materials and bedding components onboard United Kingdom or Red Ensign Group flag MCA Large Commercial Yacht Code certified vessels, must be approved, and certified in accordance with these Procedures.

The treatment process for Vertically Supported Textiles and Films, Upholstered Furniture and Bedding Components must meet the requirements of the appropriate Parts 5, 7, 8 and 9 of the 2010 IMO FTP Code, including the specified pre-conditioning procedures.

Application of the fire retardant treatment product must be applied in accordance with the Service Providers written instructions, and only applied by the Service Providers, or approved agents, trained and certified competent personnel.

For existing vessels, best efforts shall be made to identify the material specifications, for example, by contacting the ship-yard/material supplier or having a sample of material tested, as far as practical, or by having an expert in textile technology examine the materials.

The Service Provider shall provide a Declaration of Conformity confirming that the specified materials and fabrics on board each individual vessel have been treated according to the approved and tested samples. At least 4 copies are to be signed; one for the customer (ship yard or owner), one to be kept onboard the vessel, one for the Flag Administration survey records, one for the Service Provider.

Date of re-treatment shall not exceed 24 months, and is to be specified on the Declaration of Conformity. However, if treated materials are regularly deep cleaned onboard, then more frequent retreatment may be required. Re-treatment every 12 months is recommended by the MCA, or more frequently if advised by the Service Provider.