Ships and submarines

Publisher Summary Ships and submarines are generally constructed using a limited amount of combustible materials. Current codes and standards for ships and submarines still use non-combustible construction as the cornerstone for most ship and submarine designs. However, the use of combustible materials is allowed in a variety of applications for different types of vessels. The focus of current codes and standards is to protect passengers from loss of life. This chapter discusses the flammability requirements of combustible materials permitted for use on ships and submarines. Flammability tests and requirements discussed in the chapter are from the most commonly used marine vessel codes. Most of the materials used onboard ships and submarines may also be regulated for smoke and/or toxic gases. Codes and standards have been developed for ships expected to be used internationally, locally, or for war purposes. The most frequently used codes and standards have been developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). IMO codes include the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and High Speed Craft (HSC) Code. SOLAS includes regulations for passenger ships, cargo ships, and tankers. The HSC Code includes requirements for international passenger craft that do not travel more than four hours to reach a place of refuge or for international cargo craft of more than 500 gross tons that do not travel more than eight hours to reach a place of refuge. An increase in the use of composite materials onboard ships and submarines is likely. Fire models can be used to assist in the development of new materials and evaluate the material performance in actual locations of use.