Retro reflective tape – Why quality is crucial for maritime safety

On what objects can you use Solas Retro Reflective tape?

Our Reflective tape is designed for use on a variety of life support items to enhance visibility, like life vests and jackets, life rafts and boats, lifebuoys, maritime safety gear, and other life-saving equipment. The high-grade PU material of our Reflective tape has been used by lifesaving equipment manufacturers like Hatecke, Besto, Atlantis, Castro, Spinnlock, Servaux, etc.

The tape comes in 3 types:

• with adhesive layer
• without adhesive layer (sewable)
• with a special adhesive layer with a tear line.

The benefits of quality SOLAS Retro Reflective tape

The benefits of T-ISS SOLAS Retro Reflective tape lie in its ability to enhance visibility, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The tape has the ability to reflect a bright white light, especially in low-light conditions. This improves safety during nighttime or low-visibiliy-situations.

The reference to “Type 2 Solasgrade reflectivity” indicates that the retroreflective tape meets specific standards set by SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) regulations. This ensures a high level of reflectivity, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Compliance with standards is crucial in guaranteeing the tape’s effectiveness in maritime safety applications.

The risks of compromise – what happens when you use fake/low quality reflective tapes?

In a time where everything around us gets more and more expensive, choosing a cheaper alternative of Retro reflective tape may seem tempting. However, Using fake or substandard reflective tapes at sea can lead to a range of serious consequences, jeopardizing both the safety of individuals on board and the effectiveness of maritime operations.

Potential risks of using fake, cheap reflective tapes can be:

• Reduced visibility
  Because of the high quality of our Solas Retro Reflective tape, the tape is highly visible. When, for example, helicopter lights are used to find objects at sea for a far distance, our tape will light up. Low-cost tapes have significantly poorer visibility and can therefore be much more challenging to locate in emergency situations.
• Non-compliance with Regulations
  Maritime safety standards, including those set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), require specific reflective properties for life-saving equipment. Fake tapes do not meet these regulatory standards, leading to non-compliance. This can result in penalties, legal issues, and, more importantly, compromised safety for those on board.

• Shortened lifespan
  Substandard materials used in fake reflective tapes will most likely degrade quickly when exposed to harsh marine environments. The reflective properties can diminish over a short time, rendering the tape ineffective. This can pose a significant risk during emergencies when the durability and longevity of reflective materials are crucial.
• Bad performance in harsh maritime conditions
  Genuine reflective tapes, such as the solastape by T-ISS, are designed to perform optimally in a variety of conditions, including wet and dry environments. Fake tapes may not have the same level of performance, leading to reduced reflectivity during rain, fog, or other challenging weather conditions.

When you ask us at T-ISS, we believe cutting corners should never be an option when it comes to safeguarding lives. That is why our SolasFlex Retro Reflective Tape isn’t just a tape – it’s a guarantee.

Certificates and standards

The standards and certificates associated with the T-ISS SOLAS Retro Reflective tape signify its compliance with international regulations and industry-specific requirements. Let’s dive into the significance of each:

USCG (United States Coast Guard)

The USCG approval indicates that the T-ISS SOLAS Retro Reflective tape has met the stringent criteria set by the United States Coast Guard.

DNV (Det Norske Veritas):

DNV certification is issued by Det Norske Veritas, a globally recognized classification society. DNV sets high standards for maritime safety and environmental performance. Having DNV certification for the T-ISS SOLAS Retro Reflective tape attests to its quality and reliability, contributing to its acceptance and trust in the maritime industry.

Wheelmark:

The Wheelmark, or the Marine Equipment Directive (MED) certification, is essential for products used on ships in the European Union. It ensures that the T-ISS SOLAS Retro Reflective tape complies with EU regulations, guaranteeing its suitability for use on European-flagged vessels.

Russian Register:

The Russian Register certification is critical for those operating in Russian waters, ensuring that the tape is recognized and accepted by Russian maritime authorities.

Korean Register:

The Korean Register certification indicates compliance with the standards set by the Korean Register of Shipping.

In addition to these specific certifications, the mention of compliance with IMO Res. A658(16) and meeting USCG specification 46 CFR Part 164 reinforces the tape’s adherence to international standards. IMO (International Maritime Organization) resolutions and USCG specifications set benchmarks for the performance and safety of maritime equipment, and compliance with these standards ensures the tape’s effectiveness in enhancing visibility and safety at sea.

How to use

1. Clean the surface carefully.
2. Unroll the material. Cut to fit the surface if needed. The tape can be glued or stitched on, depending on the type of tape you purchased.
3. Once applied to the surface, allow the tape to remain undisturbed for a minimum of 12 hours to ensure optimal adhesion.

Become a dealer!

T-ISS takes pride in delivering SOLAS Maritime Safety tapes of exceptional quality. However, the advantages for our dealers extend beyond high quality products. As a prominent global industry leader, we assure our dealers of fast shipping, the most competitive prices available, and a consistent inventory of our products.

If you’re intrigued by the extensive range of Safety tapes offered by T-ISS and are considering the prospect of becoming a dealer, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re more than happy to provide you with detailed information!