Superyachts have a reputation of being super clean and a requirement to be super safe. We see their gleaming exteriors as they shimmer on the water, but the interiors can be more difficult to protect.
With such a wide range of fittings and luxurious materials, maintenance and the required FR protection can be a challenge.
Protecting the fabrics of a superyacht requires a combination of cleaning, sanitising and fire protection, but how do you get the balance just right?
The main problem is that several levels of protection are required, which do different things, for different durations on different materials.
Some need to be gentle yet hard-waring, strong yet invisible, and kind to the environment yet tough. In addition, the fabrics and furnishings need to look as bright and beautiful as the day they were installed.
If it were easy then everyone would be doing it. At Inter-Nett, we do love a challenge and we’re here to help.
Superyacht crews are very capable professionals and incredibly self-sufficient. However there are certain niche tasks that need to be outsourced due to legal compliance, expert knowledge, specialist products or cutting-edge equipment.
No-one wants to think of fire aboard a superyacht so flame retardancy offers another level of safety that is applied to fabrics and certain textiles in order to make them more resistant to ignition. They minimise the risk of a fire starting, slow down combustion and often prevent the spread of fire, and are a requirement for a commercial yacht.
The application of a fire retardant is a very specialist service that can only be done by service providers or their licensed applicators with products that have been tested extensively and authorised by the MCA’s notified body. The service provider then gives Certification and Declarations of Conformity that are recognised by all the flags.
Did you know that all major flags expect all Certification and Declarations of Conformity to run concurrently? And they will consider any gaps without dispensations as a deficiency upon survey or audit?
The duration of the Certification and Declaration of Conformity is based on how frequently treated materials are cleaned onboard. Always remember that Certification and is no longer valid if you exceed the terms and guidance on the service provider’s Validity and Durability Statement.
Here’s what is written in MCA’s MGN 580 (M) regarding re-treatment:
“Date of re-treatment shall not exceed 24 months, and is to be specified on the Declaration of Conformity. However, if treated materials are regularly cleaned onboard, then more frequent re-treatment may be required. Re-treatment every 12 months is recommended, or more frequently if advised by the service provider.”
Be aware, it is down to the service provider to set the duration of their Certification and not the MCA. The MCA set a maximum duration of 24 months with a recommendation of 12 monthly treatments.
It is also therefore a requirement of the captain and crew to keep a record of how many times items are cleaned so as not to invalidate the terms of the Certification during each period. On a busy charter yacht, the number of cleans could be easily exceeded during a 24 month period.
The classic phrase ‘prevention is better than cure’ epitomises why every superyacht should opt for the extra level of safety that flame retardancy gives, whether or not they are legally required to do so.
Just as every superyacht is unique, so is every cleaning situation. From deep cleaning mattresses to swift removal of unsightly furniture stains, professional cleaning companies can help crew retain that ‘out of the shipyard’ look.
With over 30 years of experience, Inter-Nett has seen many changes in the wonderful world of superyachts, but two things have remained constant. Quality is king, followed closely by a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the captain and crew of all superyachts.
At Inter-Nett, we have a strong team of 17 employees and all of our expert technicians have to undergo a 3-year training program before they are permitted to carry out work on board. These days, fabrics are more delicate and interior designs more elaborate, so professional cleaning companies need to evaluate all furnishings before any work commences.
Professional cleaning companies should regard themselves as an invisible member of the
superyacht crew. They are the people you call when you have a problem, the ones who arrive at short notice to clean, refresh and protect your valued furnishings with care, courtesy and complete discretion.
The effects and aftermath of COVID-19 have highlighted the importance of cleanliness, so what better way to sanitise a vessel than with a machine that converts liquid sanitiser into a dry gas that diffuses into the air.
Sanitising has been around for a while, but traditionally the product was sprayed onto surfaces and allowed to dry which was time-consuming and not as effective. An innovative concept is now available which cleans the whole interior space including all the surfaces and even the air.
Traditionally this type of service used to take many hours and was often difficult to schedule during a busy season. However technological advancement means that the machines are compact and portable and the process automated and consistent.
The process kills 99.99% of bacteria, viruses, fungus and spores, and the product is non-toxic, non-corrosive, biodegradable, non-allergenic and doesn’t leave a residue.
Getting the right balance requires collaboration with experts in the niche areas of cleaning, fire retardancy and sanitising. If you can find a company that can do all three, then all the better.
They can help you coordinate the work, pass on certification where required and provide help and advice with monitoring cleaning schedules and creating a long-term plan.
At Inter-Nett we believe that protecting superyacht interiors is a long-term commitment - it’s very much a marathon rather than a sprint.
Find out more about Inter-Nett. Alternatively, you can read further articles about Fire and Safety Equipment.
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