At sea, nothing is more important than safety and visibility, especially when it comes to rescue equipment. The lifeboats on board the offshore installation vessel OOS Gretha are a crucial part of the emergency plan. In the event of an emergency, each boat must be immediately deployable, visible and reliable, regardless of weather conditions or time of day.
Due to years of exposure to salt water, intense sunlight, wind and changing temperatures, the boats on the ship had become seriously discoloured and aged. The once bright orange signal colour had faded, dull and uneven. In addition to being an aesthetic problem, this also poses risks: the visibility of the boats, essential for rescue operations, is greatly reduced.
In addition, the inspection value also plays a role: rescue equipment is regularly subjected to inspections according to IMO or SOLAS guidelines. A visually neglected lifeboat can lead to comments or rejection during inspections.
Project Objective
The treatment was aimed at:
- Restoring the original bright orange colour
- Protecting the boats from further deterioration due to UV and salt
- Improving visibility for optimum safety at sea
- Improving the appearance as part of professional ship maintenance
- Extending the life of the boats without expensive replacement
- Adopting a solution that is fast, reliable and sustainable
Method and products used
1. Inspection and cleaning
The boats were fully checked for damage, crackle and loose parts. The surface was then thoroughly cleaned with Cleaner, a powerful but material-safe cleaner that removes old wax layers, salt residues, oil and contamination. This step is essential for even adhesion and colour restoration.
2. Application of 2C Perma Coat Gloss
After drying, 2C Perma Coat Gloss was applied in one layer. This coating:
- Provides a deep, glossy orange finish, similar to new boats
- Resistant to UV radiation, salt water, oil, fuel and mechanical stress
- Seals the surface so that dirt, bird droppings and lime cannot adhere
- Has a fast drying time, so that the boats can be used again quickly
- Increases the professional appearance of the ship and crew
Maritime resistance
The coating is especially suitable for maritime environments where ships have to deal with:
- High humidity
- Constant wind load
- Sea spray and condensation
- Regular temperature changes
- Salt deposits and chemical pollution in ports
Advantages for crew and inspection
- Better visibility increases safety in emergencies
- Easier maintenance – rinsing is often sufficient
- Professional appearance for crew, guests and inspection authorities
- Cost-saving – extends the lifespan without replacement
- Immediately applicable – minimal downtime during maintenance
The treatment was carried out with a view to practicality: ships such as the OOS Gretha operates 24/7. Time and reliability are crucial.
2C Perma Coat Gloss not only protects against these influences, but also prevents the boats from quickly discolouring or becoming dirty again. This greatly reduces the frequency of maintenance.
