You will find below, two resolutions of regulations concerning SOLAS marine reflective tape. These include placement, tape type, and photometrics. Retro reflective tapes used for marine applications must be compliant with both the U.S. Department of Transportation specification USCG 46 CFR, section 164.018 and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) resolution A.658(16). The IMO was actually established in 1914 in response to the Titanic disaster. Ever since then, they have been constantly updating standards for marine safety. The regulations for SOLAS marine reflective tapes were first established in 1989. SOLAS, which stands for Safety Of Life At Sea, covers much more than reflective tape. It’s requirements span every aspect of marine safety, from Fire Protection, to operations in Polar waters.
The approval is for Type I, which is for flexible substrates, and Type II, which is for rigid substrates and sew on applications. These two varieties of SOLAS reflective accommodate applications to rigid and non-rigid maritime substrates, i.e. life rafts, life buoys, life vests and life boats and is available in both adhesive and fabric backed versions. An example of a tape that meets and exceeds all IMO and UGCG requirements is Oralite SOLAS. This link will take you to a spec sheet that covers type 1 and type 2 applications. Info for both adhesive and sew on fabric backed varieties.
CFR-2016-title46-vol6-part-164-subpart-164 solas-regulation-imo
Steven Cole (Economics, MBA – University of West Florida , Business & Innovation – Stanford University) 25 years of experience in the reflective safety business. Specializing in vehicle accident and rear end collision reduction through increased visibility.