Marine

Warringtonfire and the marine industry

Warringtonfire has been working with the marine industry for almost 30 years. Marine regulations can often be reactionary so our engaged experts keep on top of the new changes in legislation and work with you to ensure your vessel is as compliant as possible.

When it comes to fire safety on ships, containment of any fire is essential because the vessel should be considered the primary lifeboat, avoiding getting people off the ship into secondary lifeboats wherever possible. The primary goal is always to keep you safe on the boat. 

How can Warringtonfire help with your marine fire safety project

There are many different marine laws and regulations required for ships, which can be overwhelming, but Warringtonfire’s engaged experts are well versed in navigating these for you. The international standards come from IMO, the international maritime organization. IMO is a U.N. organization that exists to keep ships safe on the water and includes the High-Speed Craft Code (HSC code) and the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), both underpinned by the Fire Test Procedure Code (FTP Code). There is also the European regulation, Marine Equipment Directive (MED), underpinned by certification and type approvals.

As a marine product manufacturer, you need a Notified Body to approve the different products going on board any ship. Since Brexit, Warringtonfire’s notified body status has moved to our sister company, Element Materials Technology Rotterdam B.V.(ERO) in the Netherlands; meaning that we are still, as a company, able to fulfil your notified body role. For UK Marine Equipment Certification (MER) you will still need a UK Approval Body, which Warringtonfire has become following Brexit.

Warringtonfire also offers UKAS accredited certification from its Warrington office, and is able to provide certification schemes for products and personnel.

According to marine regulations, your products also need to be tested by an IMO-approved laboratory. Only these laboratories are considered capable and accredited to perform the different fire tests required for marine approval. Every year IMO publishes a list of laboratories recognized by the other flag states - we are proud to say Warringtonfire Warrington and Gent are on this list.

Full-service marine fire safety

All products for the marine market need to be tested for non-combustibility, smoke and toxicity and flame spread. Warringtonfire can undertake all these tests at our U.K. and European sites.

Ships also need to have compartmentation, creating an eggbox-like structure where each pod has independent fire resistance, good fire detection and suppression.

Warringtonfire can also test and certify marine products.

For more information about our range of marine services, click the links below or contact us today.