FIREWALL MED
Certified fire-retardant coatings for the marine industry
Certified solution
Safety is the most important issue in the marine industry. The quality of materials used in the construction and maintenance of marine vessels is not only a matter of efficiency and aesthetics, but also of regulatory compliance. Therefore, choosing Firewall coatings that are MED (Marine Equipment Directive) certified according to Marine Directive 2014/90/ EU means providing the highest quality standards in accordance with the complex international regulatory framework.
What's MED
The Marine Equipment Directive (MED) is a European Union directive that establishes safety requirements for marine equipment installed on board of a member state’s vessels. The current version is Directive 2014/90/EU with the aim of making national safety regulations uniform, reducing risks and facilitating the free movement of certified equipment within the EU. The issued certifications are recognized also by the US.
Scope of application
The standard applies to passenger and cargo vessels, i.e., those used for commercial purposes. Warships, recreational and fishing vessels are to be excluded. The equipment covered by the MED Directive is subject to regulations that concern not only the European Union, but the more complex international order.
Equipment of application
MED certified firewall coatings
Naval certification certifies that Firewall fire-retardant coatings adhere to the FTP Code, which concerns fire protection. The FTP Code regulates the testing and acceptance criteria for materials and components constituting the vessel’s structure and part of the furniture (bulkheads, decks, fire doors and windows, upholstered furniture and bedding components, upholstery materials and curtains). The FTP Code is a resolution of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United Nations agency responsible for the safety of navigation and the prevention of marine pollution from vessels. Tests for coatings refer to the FTP Code A.1/3.18 standard, whereby performance is required for limited flame spread and limited production of fumes and toxic products (Module B). Once compliance is achieved, it is necessary to verify that the production process can ensure replicability and, consequently, to obtain system certification (Module D). Among the most authoritative Italian institutes in naval certification, we mention Istituto Giordano of Bellaria-Igea Marina (Rimini). Firewall has availed itself of the collaboration of the latter.