IMO testing for interior finishes

Under requirements established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the U.S. Coast Guard and other maritime governing bodies, materials used as interior finishes on maritime vessels must be tested for surface flammability performance. These materials include bulkheads, laminates, ceilings, wall coverings and deck finishes.

UL provides comprehensive testing services to evaluate interior finishes for surface flammability to meet the requirements for installation on national and international shipboards. With more than 100 years of fire testing and certification expertise, UL is a leading resource on fire safety.

Test Standards

• IMO Resolution MSC.61 (67), International Code for Application of Fire Test Procedures, Parts 2, 5 and 6
• IMO Resolution A.653 (16), Recommendation on Improved Fire Test Procedures for Surface Flammability of Bulkhead, Ceiling and Deck Finish Materials
• ISO 5659 (Part 5) and Annex 1, Smoke Generation-Part 2: Determination of Specific Optical Density by a Single-Chamber Test and Toxicity (Part 2)

The UL advantage

In addition to surface flammability testing, the Coast Guard requires tested materials to be subject to third-party follow-up inspections. Products certified by UL fall under UL's Follow-Up Services program, which verifies continued compliance through periodic, unannounced inspections at the manufacturer's facility. Through this program, manufacturers, installers and authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) can be confident that ongoing production consistently meets UL compliance requirements.

UL Listed interior finishes meet the requirements set forth by the Coast Guard. In addition, UL Listed products appear in a UL Product Directory, which is referenced by more than 2,500 AHJs and code officials annually.

Because of UL's comprehensive testing program, technical expertise and Follow-Up Services, Coast Guard officials prefer the UL Mark.