In short: Shipyards and offshore buyers often ask for FRP grating with a type approval from a classification society such as DNV, ABS or Lloyd's Register, or for USCG acceptance. For USCG, gratings listed and labeled as meeting ASTM F3059 by an accepted independent laboratory no longer need a separate USCG type approval. This page explains what buyers ask for and how to check a certificate. It describes buyer requirements only; it is not a statement that FIBROVX holds any of these approvals.
Please note: FIBROVX does not claim to hold DNV, ABS, Lloyd's Register or USCG approvals. If your project requires one, tell us at inquiry stage and we will tell you plainly what we can and cannot supply.
FRP grating is widely used on ships and offshore platforms because it does not rust and is light.
Classification societies: DNV, ABS, Lloyd's Register
Classification societies set rules for ships and offshore units and approve products for use on them. A type approval certificate shows that a product type has been assessed against the society's requirements. Each society publishes its approvals in an online database: DNV's Approval Finder, ABS type approval records, and Lloyd's Register's approvals listing. Whether a class approval is required depends on the vessel's class, the location of the grating and the owner's specification.
USCG and ASTM F3059
For US-flag vessels, the USCG used to issue type approvals for FRP grating under approval series 164.040. It no longer does. According to the USCG, FRP gratings listed and labeled as meeting ASTM F3059 by an independent laboratory accepted by the USCG do not need a USCG type approval. Where FRP grating may be installed is determined from Table 2.17.1 of NVIC 9-97 CH 1.
ASTM F3059 sets testing and performance requirements for FRP gratings in marine construction and shipbuilding, as an equivalent to steel gratings rated for 94 lbf/ft (4.5 kN/m). It addresses fire based on ASTM E119 exposure, not hydrocarbon pool or jet fires.
ASTM F3059 fire integrity levels
| Level (ASTM F3059) | Typical intended use |
|---|---|
| L1 | Escape routes and access needed after a significant fire |
| L2 | Post-fire assembly or refuge areas, lifeboat embarkation |
| L3 | Egress or emergency access where fire exposure is limited |
| L0 | Flame spread only; no fire integrity rating |
What buyers usually ask for
- A type approval certificate from the class society named in the vessel specification, covering the grating type, resin and size range offered.
- For US-flag vessels: listing and labeling to ASTM F3059 by a USCG-accepted laboratory, at the fire integrity level the location needs.
- Fire test reports: flame spread and smoke, and for some locations low-smoke phenolic grating. See phenolic FRP grating.
- Load tables and slip-resistance data.
- Material traceability and inspection records. See FRP quality control.
How to verify a certificate
- Ask for a full copy with the certificate number.
- Search the issuing body's own public database, for example DNV Approval Finder.
- Check that the product, resin, mesh, depth and size range match what is quoted.
- Check the expiry date and any conditions or limitations listed.
- For ASTM F3059, check the laboratory is on the USCG list of accepted laboratories (CGMIX).
Offshore wind and other marine work
Offshore wind structures follow their own certification schemes and project specifications. See GRP for transition pieces and offshore and marine GRP grating.
Writing your inquiry
State the vessel or unit, flag and class society, the locations of the grating, the fire integrity level or fire tests required, the approvals required, and the loads and spans.
Ready to quote? FIBROVX manufactures FRP products in our own factory in China and builds every item to order: sizes, resin system, color, molds and OEM branding. Send drawings, cut lists and duty data to FIBROVX. Trade terms default to CIF destination port; FOB China port is available on request.
FAQ
Does USCG still type-approve FRP grating?
No. The USCG no longer issues type approvals under series 164.040. Gratings listed and labeled to ASTM F3059 by an accepted laboratory do not need USCG type approval.
What are L1, L2 and L3?
Fire integrity levels in ASTM F3059. L1 is for escape routes and access after a significant fire; L2 for assembly and lifeboat embarkation areas; L3 for limited-fire egress.
How do I check a DNV certificate?
Search the certificate number in DNV's Approval Finder and check product, scope and expiry.
Does FIBROVX hold DNV, ABS, LR or USCG approval?
This page does not claim so. Tell us your requirement at inquiry stage and we will state what we can supply.
Does ASTM F3059 cover jet fires?
No. It is based on ASTM E119 fire exposure and does not address hydrocarbon pool or jet fires.
Related guides
Sources
- ASTM F3059-18, Standard Specification for Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Gratings Used in Marine Construction and Shipbuilding, https://store.astm.org/f3059-18.html
- US Coast Guard, CG-ENG-4 Finishes and Furnishings, 164.040 FRP grating approval guidance, https://www.dco.uscg.mil/CG-ENG-4/Finishes/
- US Coast Guard, CG-ENG Policy Letter 01-18, Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Gratings (2018) (USCG Office of Design and Engineering Standards)
- DNV, CMC Approval Finder (type approval certificate search), https://approvalfinder.dnv.com
- ABS, Type Approval program and records, https://ww2.eagle.org
- Lloyd's Register, LR Marine & Offshore Approvals, https://www.lr.org/en/services/classification-certification/materials-equipment-components-product-certification/lr-approvals/