When a fire breaks out in a building, the fire brigade comes and people go outside. On a ship there is neither a fire brigade nor an "outside". That simple fact explains why marine fire standards are stricter than their land-based equivalents.
What the 2010 FTP Code Is
The 2010 FTP Code (International Code for Application of Fire Test Procedures) was adopted by the International Maritime Organization through resolution MSC.307(88) on 3 December 2010.
The Code sets out the international requirements for laboratory testing, type approval and fire test procedures for products referenced under SOLAS Chapter II-2. Amendments to SOLAS making the 2010 FTP Code mandatory came into force on 1 July 2012.
The Code was developed to enhance user friendliness, ensure more uniform application of fire testing requirements and generalise experience from the application of previous fire testing standards.
The Eleven Parts
The 2010 FTP Code comprises eleven parts, each describing testing requirements for different materials or components used on ships, boats and other marine vessels:
| Part | Subject |
|---|---|
| Part 1 | Non-combustibility test — materials required to be non-combustible (mineral wool, plasterboard etc.) |
| Part 2 | Smoke and toxicity test — ensuring materials do not produce excessive smoke or toxic gases |
| Part 3 | Fire resistance of "A", "B" and "F" class divisions |
| Part 4 | Fire doors |
| Part 5 | Surface flammability — surface materials and deck coverings |
| Part 6 | Primary deck coverings |
| Part 7 | Vertically supported textiles and films |
| Part 8 | Upholstered furniture |
| Part 9 | Bedding components |
| Part 10 | Fire-restricting materials for high-speed craft |
| Part 11 | Fire-resisting divisions and penetrations |
What It Means for Composite Boat Builders
Materials for marine use must comply with fire safety standards set by IMO in 2010, and those requirements are generally stricter than for other building materials because of on-board conditions.
In composite boat and yacht building the practical consequences are:
- Commercial passenger vessels: interior surface materials, deck coverings, upholstery textiles and furniture must all be tested and type approved to the relevant Part.
- High-speed craft (under the HSC Code): fire-restricting division requirements are defined separately under Part 10.
- Private yachts: requirements vary by flag state and tonnage. Large yachts under the Large Yacht Code face levels close to commercial rules.
- Small leisure craft: in the EU these fall under the Recreational Craft Directive (2013/53/EU) and ISO 12215. The FTP Code does not apply directly, but fire safety remains a design requirement.
Laboratories and Type Approval
FTP Code testing may only be carried out in laboratories recognised by IMO and authorised by the flag state administration. After testing, the product receives type approval from the class society or the administration. That approval also requires surveillance of series production — again directly connected to an ISO 9001 quality system.
Comparison with Rail
| Marine (IMO FTP Code) | Rail (EN 45545-2) | |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | SOLAS ships, worldwide | European rail vehicles |
| Structure | 11 parts by product type | 26 R sets + 3 HL levels |
| Approval mechanism | Type approval (administration / class) | Classification report |
| Toxicity | Covered under Part 2 | CITG parameter |
| Mandatory since | 1 July 2012 | Mandatory in Europe |
The two systems use different test protocols, and a certificate under one is not valid under the other. The underlying logic, however, is identical: heat release, smoke and toxicity.
Zenginler İmalat's Approach
Zenginler İmalat's flame-retardant laminate recipe has been tested by TSE on the rail side and holds a TS EN 45545-2:2023 R1 / HL1-HL2-HL3 classification. The same material knowledge and production discipline form the basis for FTP Code testing where a marine project requires it.
Because certification requirements in marine projects vary by flag state, tonnage and vessel class, we prefer to assess them together on a project basis. Get in touch about your project.