Affixing the UK Conformity Mark: UK21/F001

Adopted EU recommendation FIRE-001. UK-approved recommendation on the affixing of the UK Conformity Mark (the ‘Red Ensign’) to materials for which it is difficult to provide traceability.

Question

The Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations 2016 as amended (the “Regulations”) state that products are to be stamped with the Red Ensign after the production process. The Red Ensign is to be placed on the product to permit it to be recognised as complying with the Regulations.

What is the philosophy regarding materials which are listed under Items Affected below for which it is difficult to provide the traceability?

Recommendation

The Regulations do not require the red ensign to be permanently visible on all materials of construction such as powders, resins, insulation slabs, paint, adhesives, etc. throughout the life of the ship. It is intended that the packaging and documentation supplied with the product provides evidence of Certification at the time of either delivery to the intermediate Manufacturer or to the ship or at the time of design appraisal by the Administration/Class Society.

The documents of approval or acceptance of the materials issued by the Administration or Recognised Organisation on behalf of the Administration during a survey of the ship will provide evidence of compliance and provide traceability. It may be necessary for a comprehensive list of all certified products and their certificate numbers to be produced for display on-board a ship, for inspection by any other body.

References

  • MSC 471 (101)
  • MSN 1874 as amended
  • The Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations 2016 as amended

Items affected

  • UK/3.1, Primary deck coverings
  • UK/3.11, “A” and “B” class divisions fire integrity
  • UK/3.13, Non-combustible materials
  • UK/3.15, Materials other than steel for pipes conveying oil or fuel oil
  • UK/3.18, Surface materials and floor coverings with low flame-spread characteristics
  • UK/3.19, Draperies, curtains and other suspended textile materials and films
  • UK/3.20, Upholstered furniture
  • UK/3.21, Bedding components
  • UK/3.26, Penetrations through “A” class divisions
  • UK/3.27, Penetrations through “B” class divisions
  • UK/3.32, Fire restricting materials (except furniture) for high speed craft
  • UK/3.33, Fire restricting materials for furniture for high speed craft
  • UK/3.34, Fire resisting divisions for high speed craft
  • UK/3.37, Penetrations through fire resisting divisions on high speed craft

More information

Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Bay 2/21
Spring Place
105 Commercial Road
Southampton
SO15 1EG

Telephone: +44 (0) 203 817 2000

Email: MEQA@mcga.gov.uk

Website: www.gov.uk/mca

Published 19 July 2023