On the vast open sea, fire is the ultimate nightmare for crew and passengers alike. This is why the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has established extremely strict fire safety standards under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). If you aim to become a supplier for cruise lines like Royal Caribbean or Carnival, or provide interiors for luxury superyachts, you must pass the IMO 2010 FTP Code (International Code for Application of Fire Test Procedures, 2010) and obtain the prestigious “Wheelmark”.
This article provides a deep-dive technical analysis of the three core sections relevant to soft furnishing textiles: Part 7 (Curtains), Part 8 (Furniture), and Part 9 (Bedding). We will also compare these with land-based standards to provide you with a comprehensive guide on material selection and compliance.
What is the IMO 2010 FTP Code?
The IMO 2010 FTP Code (International Code for Application of Fire Test Procedures, 2010) is the definitive regulatory framework established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). It sets forth mandatory technical requirements and testing procedures to verify that materials used on board international vessels meet strict fire safety standards.
Why is this rule so strict?
On land, if a fire breaks out, people can evacuate to the outdoors. At sea, a ship is a confined space with limited escape routes and no immediate external help. Therefore, the core logic of the IMO is “Passive Fire Protection”โmandating that all materials on board (from curtains to sofas) must possess extremely high flame retardancy to ensure they do not ignite easily or burn very slowly, buying valuable time for evacuation.
Part 7: Curtains and Vertically Supported Textiles
IMO 2010 FTP Code Part 7 (Test for vertically supported textiles and films) is the mandatory standard for all hanging materials. Its core logic simulates a scenario where a curtain is exposed to a small ignition source, focusing on whether the fire will spread rapidly or produce dangerous burning droplets.
1. Detailed Scope of Application
The coverage of this part is extensive, including but not limited to:
- Guest Rooms:ย Blackout curtains, sheer curtains, decorative drapes.
- Public Areas:ย Stage curtains (theater), changing room curtains, shower curtains (if textile).
- Shading Systems:ย Textile vertical blinds, roman blinds, roller blinds.
- Functional Partitions:ย Medical bay privacy curtains, crew bunk curtains.
2. Corresponding International Standards
If you are familiar with land-based architectural standards, you can view IMO Part 7 as the maritime version ofย EN 13773ย (Vertical flame spread for curtains). The testing principles are highly consistent, both focusing on flame spread behavior on vertical fabrics. Some testing logic also references early resolutions likeย IMO Res. A.471 (XII)ย andย IMO Res. A.563 (14).
3. Test Methods and Rigorous Details
Tests are conducted in a standardized combustion chamber with the specimen suspended vertically. The test involves two extremely strict ignition modes:
- Surface Ignition:ย A propane flame is applied perpendicularly to the fabric surface forย 5 seconds. This tests for surface flash or flame spread speed.
- Edge Ignition:ย The flame is applied to the bottom edge of the fabric forย 15 seconds. This is the most challenging part, designed to test if the fabric will burn through completely.
4. Pass Criteria
According to MSC.307(88), the sample must meet all the following hard targets simultaneously:
| Metric | Fail Criteria (What is NOT allowed) |
|---|---|
| After-flame | The flame persists for more than 5 seconds after the ignition source is removed. |
| Burning Droplets | Core Challenge: Any burning debris or droplets must NOT ignite the cotton wool pad placed below the specimen. This is where polyester fabrics fail most often. |
| Edge Spread | The flame must not propagate to any vertical edge or the top edge of the specimen. |
| Char Length | The average char length must not exceed 150mm. |
| Surface Flash | The surface flame propagation must not exceed 100mm. |
Part 8: Upholstered Furniture Testing
The uniqueness of IMO 2010 FTP Code Part 8 (Test for upholstered furniture) lies in the fact that it does not test the fabric alone, but rather the “Fabric + Foam Filling” combination. This means the same fabric may yield completely different results when paired with different types of foam.
1. Detailed Scope of Application
This standard applies to all forms of upholstered furniture on board:
- Loose Furniture:ย Lounge chairs, office chairs, sofas, ottomans.
- Fixed Furniture:ย Theater seating, restaurant banquettes, built-in upholstered benches.
- Refurbishment Projects:ย Even when recovering old furniture, the new fabric and foam combination must comply with this standard.
2. Corresponding International Standards
The test procedures for IMO Part 8 directly referenceย EN 1021-1ย (Cigarette test) andย EN 1021-2ย (Match/Butane flame test).
Note:ย Many clients ask about the British Standardย BS 5852 (Crib 5). Although the Crib 5 wood crib source is much hotter and more severe than IMO Part 8, strictly speaking, Classification Societies only recognize IMO Part 8 reports. A Crib 5 report cannot legally substitute an IMO certificate.
3. Test Methods and Judgment
Tests must be conducted on a standard test rig with the seat and backrest positioned at a 90ยฐ angle. Two independent tests must be passed:
A. Smouldering Cigarette Test
A lit cigarette is placed at the junction between the seat and the backrest (the area most likely to trap heat).
Fail Criteria: The test is failed if:
- Progressive smouldering continuesย 1 hourย after the start of the test.
- Smouldering or flame spreads to the outer edges of the sample.
B. Propane Flame Test
A burner tube producing a flame equivalent to a match is placed at the junction for 20 seconds.
Fail Criteria: The test is failed if:
- Flaming continues for more thanย 120 secondsย after the removal of the burner tube.
- The flame burns through the full thickness of the filling.
- There is significant smoke generation or progressive smouldering.
Part 9: Bedding Components Testing
IMO 2010 FTP Code Part 9 (Test for bedding components) aims to ensure that bedding in guest cabins does not act as an accelerant for fire.
1. Detailed Scope of Application
Unlike furniture, Part 9 targets the removable components of the sleeping system:
- Thermal Layers:ย Blankets, duvets/quilts (synthetic or down), bedspreads.
- Support Layers:ย Pillows (inserts), thin mattresses, mattress toppers/protectors.
- Contact Layers:ย Bed sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers.
2. Corresponding International Standards
The test method is similar to the international standard ISO 12952-1/2 or the European standard EN 597-1/2. These standards all assess the ignitability of bedding items by smouldering sources (cigarettes) and open flames (matches).
3. Pass Criteria
The focus is on preventing “smouldering” from transitioning into “open flame,” and preventing bedding from igniting the mattress below. Specific criteria include:
- Cigarette Test:ย No progressive smouldering within 1 hour, and no open flame at the end of the test.
- Small Flame Test:ย After application, the flame must not burn through the full thickness, and any after-flame must extinguish withinย 150 secondsย (time varies slightly by item type, but this is the general threshold) after the source is removed.
- Charring Extent:ย Any horizontal charring must not extend to the edges of the specimen.
Expert Advice: The Science of Marine Material Selection
The marine environment imposes extreme demands on textiles: high salt spray corrosion, intense UV radiation, high humidity, and strict fire regulations. Based on BEGOODTEX’s years of experience in marine engineering, we suggest solving compliance issues at the material source:
1. Preferred Material: 100% IFR Polyester (Inherent Fire Retardant)
Compared to cotton, linen, or standard polyester, IFR Polyester is the optimal choice for marine interiors:
- Anti-Dripping Mechanism (For Part 7):ย IMO Part 7 is extremely strict on molten droplets. Marine-grade IFR polyester is engineered at the molecular level to curl, shrink, and char rapidly when exposed to fire. This “self-extinguishing” physical characteristic effectively prevents the formation of burning droplets that could ignite the cotton wool pad.
- Salt Spray & UV Resistance:ย High-salinity air at sea is highly corrosive to natural fibers like cotton. Polyester possesses natural resistance to salt spray and UV degradation, maintaining high color fastness even on sun-exposed decks.
- Stability for Factory Audits (Module D):ย The flame retardancy of IFR fabrics is permanent and does not wash out. This batch-to-batch consistency makes it much easier for factories to pass the strict annual Module D quality system audits conducted by Classification Societies.
2. Strictly Avoid “Post-Treated” Fabrics
Risk of Hygroscopic “Dampness”: In the humid marine environment, fabrics treated with topical FR chemicals (post-treatment) are prone to absorbing moisture. This leads to two serious consequences:
- The fabric becomes moldy and develops odors, ruining the cabin experience.
- The flame retardant chemicals may migrate to the surface (blooming), causing test failure and potential skin irritation.
Therefore, marine interiors should insist on using Inherent FR materials.
3. Focus on Smoke Toxicity (Part 2)
While Parts 7/8/9 only test for flammability, certain high-end cruise projects additionally require IMO FTP Code Part 2 (Smoke and Toxicity). This is a higher-level environmental requirement. High-quality IFR fabrics do not release toxic gases like hydrogen halides when burned, offering a safer solution aligned with green maritime trends.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do all curtains need to pass Part 7?
A: Yes. This is a mandatory requirement. Whether it is a functional blackout curtain in a guest room, an anti-glare blind on the bridge, or a decorative sheer in the restaurantโif it is a vertically suspended textile, it must comply with IMO Part 7.
Q2: Can a sofa that passed the British Standard Crib 5 be used on a ship?
A: No. Classification Societies only recognize the IMO FTP Code Part 8. Although the BS 5852 Crib 5 test is technically more severe (larger heat source), the legal basis is different, and they are not interchangeable. You must re-test using the exact same material combination according to IMO Part 8.
Q3: What is a USCG Number?
A: This is an approval number from the United States Coast Guard. Due to the “Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA)” between the US and the EU, products that have obtained the EU MED (Wheelmark) certification typically receive a USCG number automatically. This allows the product to be legally installed on US-flagged merchant vessels without re-testing in the US.
Q4: I am a furniture manufacturer. Can I buy BEGOODTEX fabric and apply for the Wheelmark directly?
A: It requires a cooperative process. We provide the fabric that meets IMO standards along with its test reports. If you are a furniture manufacturer, you need to use our fabric combined with your specific foam to apply for the certificate for your finished furniture. Our fabric certificate serves as the critical “Material Declaration” document in your application process.