As a company that specialises in vinyl products, we understand that not all vinyl is used for decorative or advertising use. Not only is vinyl used for window displays and signage, but it is used for safety too. On our website we stock a variety of chevron kits to keep your vehicles safe on the road, but what about out at sea?

Here at ATC, we are excited to introduce the Oralite FD 1404 ImoFlex SOLAS Safety Film to our online catalogue, a cutting-edge vinyl that helps vessel owners stay compliant with SOLAS regulations whilst enhancing safety at sea. If you work within the maritime industry, you will more than likely know the importance of safety at sea, especially regarding visibility. During the night and in harsh weather conditions, the ocean can become a very dark and unpredictable place, which is why products like the Oralite FD 1404 ImoFlex Film have been made. This high-performance film is designed to provide superior visibility, even in low light conditions, making it an advantageous product for anyone that operates in the open ocean.

In this blog post, we are going to explain what SOLAS is and why the Oralite FD 1404 ImoFlex Film can be beneficial to you!

What is SOLAS?

The SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Convention is an international treaty that concerns the safety of merchant ships, observed by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). The treaty was first established in 1914 following the Titanic tragedy and has further created 4 more conventions up until 1974. The IMO SOLAS 1974 Convention includes 14 chapters, all of which contain their own regulations and safety measures to be implemented in present-day circumstances. The chapters propose the minimum standard for the construction, equipment, and operation of ships.

If you would like to find out more information about each chapter, follow this link to the IMO website.

How can the Oralite FD 1404 Film help you adhere to SOLAS regulations?

The Oralite FD 1404 ImoFlex Film is specifically designed to be used on inflatable devices such as jackets and life rafts and is compliant with International Maritime Organisation (IMO) resolution A.658(16) Type I.

The IMO resolution A.658(16) Type I falls under the revised chapter 3 of the SOLAS 1974, including requirements on ‘Life-saving Appliances and Arrangements’. This chapter contains recommendations on the use and fitting of retro-reflective materials on Life-saving Appliances (LSAs), to maximise visibility when out at sea. The use of retro-reflective materials should be applied to:

  • Lifeboats and rescue boats
  • Life rafts
  • Lifebuoys
  • Buoyant equipment
  • Life jackets
  • Immersion suits

By using the Oralite film you can ensure that you are adhering to the regulations provided by SOLAS.

Features of the Oralite film:

  • The Oralite film is a high-performance, microprismatic film that contains a repeated pattern of mirrored prism facets. These facets are coated with a vacuum deposition of aluminium to increase the level of visibility. This makes the film one of the brightest marine tapes on the market!
  • The film is permanently marked with the SOLAS ship wheel, which ensures it is recognised for its approved quality and compliance with the regulations.

SOLAS logo

  • It is an innovative product that can be adhered to various flexible surfaces, creating a bond which is durable and long-lasting.
  • The film is incredibly weather-resistant and is UV stabilised to withstand all climates.
  • Can either be applied using the adhesive liner or can be sewn into maritime substrates using a fabric backing, making it a very versatile product.
  • For specific requirements, the film can easily be cut into different sizes to fit safety gear such as helmets. If you need a particular shape, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us, as we can cut the material for you.

Overall, the Oralite FD 1404 ImoFlex Film is a reliable and cost-effective solution that provides superior visibility and safety within the maritime industry, following SOLAS 1974 specifications. Whether you’re a commercial vessel owner, a shipping company, or a recreational boater, this product is essential, to help you stay compliant with SOLAS and most of all keep your crew and cargo safe!

Here at ATC, we are committed to providing our customers with high-quality products that meet your needs and exceed expectations. We stock a wide range of items from industry leaders such as ORAFOL, to deliver you the best of the best. If you have any questions about the Oralite film or the rest of our product catalogue, please contact us today and we will be more than happy to help.