IMO Part 8 and Lloyd’s Register Certification: What They Mean for Marine Upholstery
Fire performance is an important consideration when selecting upholstery for cruise ships, ferries, yachts and other marine interiors.
For upholstered furniture, one of the main references is Part 8 of the IMO 2010 Fire Test Procedures Code. When this performance is supported by certification from a recognized marine classification society such as Lloyd’s Register, designers and purchasing teams have clearer evidence for material evaluation.
What Is IMO Part 8?
The 2010 FTP Code provides standardized fire-test procedures for products used on ships.
Part 8 applies to upholstered furniture. It evaluates whether an upholstered construction resists ignition when exposed to representative ignition sources, including a smouldering source and a small open flame.
It may apply to:
Passenger seating
Lounge chairs and sofas
Built-in banquette seating
Cabin chairs
Other upholstered marine furniture
Passing Part 8 does not mean that a product cannot burn under any circumstances. It confirms that the tested construction meets the applicable resistance-to-ignition criteria.
Why Does Lloyd’s Register Certification Matter?
Lloyd’s Register is an internationally recognized marine classification and certification organization.
While IMO Part 8 defines the relevant fire-test requirements, Lloyd’s Register certification provides documented third-party confirmation for the products and specifications covered by the certificate.
For designers and buyers, this makes it easier to:
Review supporting fire-performance evidence
Identify the approved product scope
Match the selected material to project requirements
Provide documentation to shipyards and project authorities
Certification should still be checked carefully, as it applies only to the products, constructions and conditions stated in the certificate.
Why the Tested Construction Still Matters
The fire behavior of upholstered furniture is influenced by more than its visible cover. Foam, backing, fire barriers and other layers can affect the result.
A cover material may perform differently when combined with another filling material. The product specification and tested combination shown in the documentation should therefore be compared with the proposed end use.
Final acceptance remains subject to the vessel, installation area, flag administration and project approval process.
Sileather for Marine Upholstery
Selected Sileather® silicone leather constructions have passed Part 8 of the IMO 2010 FTP Code and are supported by Lloyd’s Register certification for the products and specifications covered by the relevant documentation.
In addition to fire performance, Sileather offers inherent stain resistance, an easy-clean non-porous surface, hydrolysis resistance, ultra-low VOC and a soft touch. A wide range of colors and textures is available for different marine interior concepts.
Designers and purchasing teams should confirm that the selected product code, construction and certification scope match the requirements of their project.
For the applicable Lloyd’s Register certificate, product specifications or samples, contact the Sileather team.
This article provides a general introduction to IMO FTP Code Part 8 and Lloyd’s Register certification. Final compliance should always be confirmed against the certificate scope, project requirements and relevant approval authority.
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