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About Structural Fire Protection

About General Approval Requirements & Testing/Approval Process

Most structural fire protection (SFP) materials may be submitted for approval under various approval series. Additionally, SFP materials classified as H-class are approved under 4 additional approval series. On top of the fire tests, the FTP Code contains pass/fail criteria as well as additional requirements. The FTP Code includes requirements for follow-up inspections at the manufacturer's plant by an acceptable third party. For the Coast Guard, these third parties are independent laboratories.

When seeking approval through the Coast Guard, there are required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval which must be performed by an independent testing laboratory. Product testing must be performed by a Coast Guard Accepted or Recognized Independent Laboratory. Some products may require an active third-party quality control program before approval is issued.

About Certificate of Approval (COA)

If the material meets the appropriate test criteria and follow-up services to the satisfaction of the Coast Guard, a Certificate of Approval (COA) will be issued. The COA will be issued for up to 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program. The approval will also be listed on the Coast Guard’s Approved Equipment website.

Materials & Arrangements by FTP Code

There are common materials and arrangements that are not specifically identified by the FTP Code, but must meet safety standards to be installed on board a Coast Guard inspected vessel. Here is a rundown of those materials and arrangements.

Deck Finishing Exemption

Federal Regulations permits the use of unapproved deck leveling and finishing material which do not exceed 3/8 inch in thickness.

Floor Finishes

Floor finishes must be approved either as deck coverings or as noncombustible materials. And they must also meet the IMO Fire Test Procedures (FTP Code).

Non-Load Bearing Internal Division

Honeycomb panels of steel or equivalent material can be used as a non-load-bearing internal "A" class division material in accommodation and service spaces. This is provided they have been tested to the FTP Code criteria for a one-hour period.  These panels are constructed of thin metal sheets bonded to an insulated core material and do not have a 4-mm steel core plate.  The use of lightweight construction cannot be used as an integral part of main fire zone bulkheads and stairway enclosures on passenger ships.

Asbestos

The U. S. Coast Guard does not approve structural fire protection materials containing asbestos fibers.

Aluminum Construction

Aluminum bulkheads and decks can generally be insulated by using materials tested and approved for steel bulkheads and decks. Some specific materials and designs, such as sprayed fiber insulation and continuous ceilings, cannot be used with aluminum unless specifically tested and approved for use with aluminum construction.

Acoustic & Thermal Insulation

There are no specific performance requirements for acoustic and thermal insulation. However, all acoustic and thermal insulation materials must meet the applicable fire safety requirements, such as non-combustibility.

Modular Accommodation Quarters

The Coast Guard does not have a program for type approving complete accommodation systems for fire safety. Instead, the various structural fire protection elements, such as bulkhead panels, ceiling, insulation, of which the system is constructed are approved separately under their individual approval categories. The subject of modular accommodation quarters is not currently addressed in the FTP Code.

Noncombustible Ceilings (C-Class)

The U. S. Coast Guard does not issue type approval for noncombustible ceilings and other C Class partitions. This is due to the fact that C-Class partitions are not required to be tested for fire resistance.  The only requirement is that ceilings must be constructed of approved noncombustible materials.

Paint

A limited number of coats of standard paint without requiring tests or approval are permitted. However, nitrocellulose or other highly flammable or noxious fume-producing paints or lacquers are prohibited.  Certain spaces must meet low flammability, smoke, and toxicity criteria.

Contact Us Today

Advanced Structures manufactures durable fire zone doors for use by the US Navy and Coast Guard following all FTP guidelines. We specialize in the manufacturing of honeycomb doors and panels and are proud to provide these materials to clients around the country. We test to make sure all of the doors we manufacture are safe and in proper working order. Get a quote for fire one doors today.

Request a Quote

When you reach out, we will happily answer any questions you may have regarding our fire zone doors and panels.