Salt-spray, oil and flame resistant protection for engine rooms, offshore platforms and naval vessels — including hose protection for MIN 698 and Workboat Code 3.
The MCA Workboat Code Edition 3 (WB3) came into force on 13 December 2023, replacing the previous Workboat Code framework. It applies to new workboats and pilot boats, with existing vessels transitioning under defined arrangements as they come up for renewal examination.
Section 8.11.3 of the Code addresses flexible fuel pipework directly. Short lengths of flexible fuel pipe may be permitted where required to accommodate movement or vibration — but where fitted, the Code states that flexible fuel pipes shall be:
“fire resistant, metal reinforced or protected from fire”
External fire protection is one of the routes recognised by the Code for meeting this requirement. We are not stating that WB3 specifically requires Firesleeve — rather, Firesleeve is being investigated by S Riley Fabrications as a practical protection solution for suitable hose applications, subject to vessel-specific assessment.
MIN 698 Amendment 2 (M) supplements Workboat Code Edition 3, published by the MCA in June 2026. It identifies the standards relevant to fire protection of hoses and fuel systems, including:
MIN 698 is guidance. It is not itself a product approval scheme, and it does not certify individual products — it points designers, builders and Certifying Authorities toward the standards that may be used to demonstrate compliance.
What is MIN 698?
MIN 698 is a Marine Information Note from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). Amendment 2 (M) lists standards and best-practice guidance to support Workboat Code Edition 3.
Does MIN 698 cover flexible fuel hoses?
It points to BS EN ISO 7840:2021 and ISO 15540:2016, which are relevant to fire-resistant fuel hoses and to testing the fire resistance of hose assemblies.
Where does Firesleeve fit?
External fire protection is one route the Code recognises for flexible fuel pipes. Firesleeve may provide a solution for suitable hose applications, subject to appropriate testing, vessel-specific assessment and Certifying Authority acceptance. Ask us about your vessel.
Firesleeve can potentially be used as an external fire and heat protection layer around suitable hose assemblies and other services, including:
Retrofit without disconnection: our Hook & Loop Firesleeve can be installed around existing hose runs without disconnecting or removing the hose — particularly relevant to existing vessels undergoing inspection, maintenance or upgrade work ahead of the WB3 transition deadline.
On ISO 15540 and testing: ISO 15540:2016 provides a test method for determining the fire resistance of non-metallic hose assemblies and compensators — it is a hose assembly test method, not a standalone product certification. We are currently investigating the appropriate marine testing and certification route for Firesleeve as part of a fire-protected hose assembly.
External fire protection for suitable flexible fuel hose applications.
Protection from radiant heat and potential fire exposure in machinery spaces.
Potential application where non-metallic hose assemblies require fire protection.
Potential supplementary protection around vulnerable components, subject to engineering assessment.
Thermal and mechanical protection for cable runs close to heat sources.
The suitability of any application depends on vessel design, hose construction, installation and the requirements of the relevant Certifying Authority.
Talk to us about your hose protection requirements. Tell us the vessel type, hose size, application and installation environment and we can recommend a suitable Firesleeve solution.
Marine engines depend on hydraulic systems for steering, stabilisers, hatch covers and propulsion controls. Hoses routed through hot engine rooms are at constant risk from radiant heat and from flammable fuel sources nearby.
In the event of a fire, an unprotected hydraulic hose can rupture and spray pressurised oil directly onto an ignition source — turning a contained incident into a catastrophic one. Firesleeve over hydraulic hose runs contains failures and provides critical time for crew to respond and isolate systems.
Fuel lines and oil return pipes are the highest-risk components in any engine room. Firesleeve fitted over fuel delivery and return lines provides a barrier between the line and heat sources — reducing the risk of ignition from a pinhole leak or joint failure near hot machinery.
The silicone coating also resists fuel and oil degradation, keeping the sleeve performing over the full service interval without replacement.
Navigation systems, automation controls, lighting, communication equipment and bilge pumps all depend on electrical cabling that passes through or near the engine room. Firesleeve provides 30kV+ dielectric protection and thermal insulation — reducing the risk of electrical fire from short circuits or arcing near hot surfaces.
Offshore oil and gas installations operate under some of the most demanding conditions in industry — high-pressure hydraulics, live hydrocarbon systems, extreme weather and restricted access for maintenance. Firesleeve is specified on platform deck hose runs, wellhead control lines and module wiring where the consequences of fire are severe and evacuation is complex.
Naval vessels demand compliance with strict defence procurement standards. Firesleeve's combination of flame resistance, chemical inertness and mechanical durability makes it suitable for specification on MOD and NATO programmes, where supply documentation and traceability are required alongside performance.
Above-deck cable runs, deck wiring and anchor windlass hydraulics are exposed to constant salt spray, UV radiation and humidity. Unprotected cables degrade rapidly in this environment. Firesleeve's inert silicone surface sheds water, resists UV and remains flexible in low temperatures — protecting deck installations across the full service life of the vessel.
Download the full PDF specifications for each product — salt-spray resistant, made in Britain.
For new-build installations, standard Firesleeve slips over hoses and cables before fitting — available from 4mm to 203mm internal diameter. For in-service vessels where lines cannot be disconnected, our Hook & Loop Retrofit sleeve wraps around existing runs without removal, making it practical for shipyard maintenance programmes and at-sea upgrades.
We supply direct to shipyards, marine engineers, offshore contractors and naval procurement teams. Datasheets, compliance documentation and cut-length pricing available on request.
Tell us the vessel type, engine room configuration and hose or cable dimensions. We'll confirm the right product and come back with pricing and lead times.