IMO Certified Marine Curtains

What is the IMO FTP Code?

The IMO FTP Code 2010 is the International Maritime Organization's International Code for Application of Fire Test Procedures. It sets out the tests that materials must pass before they can be used on ships built and surveyed under the SOLAS convention, which covers passenger ships, ferries and most commercial vessels. Where a building on land is governed by British Standards and the Fire Safety Order, a ship is governed by SOLAS and the FTP Code, and a classification society surveyor checks the fit-out against it.

Parts 7, 8 and 9: which applies to curtains?

• Part 7, vertically supported textiles and films. The test for curtains, drapes and any hanging fabric. This is the certificate a curtain fabric needs.
• Part 8, upholstered furniture. Seating and upholstery fabrics. Many contract fabrics hold Part 7 and Part 8 together, which is useful where a scheme uses one cloth for curtains and chairs.
• Part 9, bedding components. Mattresses, pillows, duvets and bed covers.

Every fabric in this collection holds current IMO FTP Code 2010 certification for drapes and hanging textiles, and the product page lists which parts each fabric has passed. Vessels under EU or UK flag additionally need Marine Equipment Directive approval, shown by the wheelmark on the certificate; ask us if you need to confirm it for a specific fabric.

Choosing IMO-certified curtain fabrics

This is the standards page: it gathers every fabric with IMO certification regardless of style, so that a specifier can start from compliance and then choose by look. For guidance on cabins, public spaces and the practicalities of a newbuild or refit, see cruise and ferry curtains. Briefly:

• Blackout and dimout. IMO-certified blackout and dimout cloths for cabins and crew accommodation.
• Decorative weights. Velvets, jacquards and wide-width cloths for public rooms, all certified.
• Inherently FR. Every fabric we list is inherently fire retardant, with the performance in the fibre, so on-board laundering through the vessel's service life does not degrade it.
• Dual certification. Many of these fabrics also hold BS 5867 Part 2, which is useful for operators with both shore-side and at-sea estates.

Specifying and ordering

Every curtain is made to measure in the UK. Choose the fabric, enter your drop and width, select a heading (pencil pleat, eyelet, wave or pinch pleat), and the configurator prices it immediately. For a vessel or fleet programme, request a quote with the cabin and window schedule and we will price it as a single quotation across all the fabric houses we carry. IMO certificates are supplied with the order for the outfitter's documentation pack, and samples are available on every fabric.

IMO certification FAQs

Does IMO certification expire?

Certificates are issued for a fixed period, typically five years, and are renewed by re-testing. We supply the current certificate with the order; if your project will not complete for some time, tell us and we will check the certificate will still be in date at handover.

Is an IMO-certified fabric automatically acceptable on land?

Not automatically. A building's fire risk assessment will look for BS 5867 Part 2. Many fabrics here hold both certifications, and the product page shows which.

Do you supply IMO-certified upholstery and bedding too?

Fabrics holding Part 8 are shown on their product pages. For bedding, see our fire retardant bedding range or ask us to price the whole cabin together.