The 2018 edition of NFPA 301 takes strides on merchant vessel safety. Stay up-to-code.

Originally developed at the request of the United States Coast Guard, NFPA 301: Code for Safety to Life from Fire on Merchant Vessels provides minimum requirements, with due regard to function, for the design, operation, and maintenance of merchant vessels for safety to life from fire and similar emergencies. Patterned after the NFPA 101® Life Safety Code®, it provides requirements for various types of merchant vessels.

Important updates in the 2018 edition of NFPA 301 are essential for naval architects, vessel owners, and enforcers.

• Updated references in Chapter 2 and Annex D, along with changes in Chapter 3, Definitions, align with other NFPA® codes and standards.
• Revised requirements for backup lighting reduce the total blackout time in spaces aboard a vessel that do not normally have any natural lighting (e.g., portholes and windows) to reduce the risk of panic and injury to passengers and crew.
• Signage used on doors, passageways, ladders, or stairways that are neither an exit nor a way of exit access needs to be approved by the AHJ.
• Added references to provisions in NFPA 90A: Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems address insulation and coverings for pipes and ducts installed in areas where there is the potential for hot temperatures.
• For fire test requirements for draperies or other vertically hung textiles, Code users are now directed to NFPA 701: Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame Propagation of Textiles and Films, or Part 7 of the IMO Fire Test Procedures Code.
• Portable fire extinguishers shall now be classed in accordance with NFPA 10: Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, or requirements for portable extinguishers in Title 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

Make sure you're on top of critical safety changes for safety to life aboard merchant vessels.