When it comes to barge, dock, or boat foam, you may initially assume that Coast Guard-approved flotation foam is enough to keep your vessel or dock afloat. However, it may be in your best interest to install foam that surpasses Coast Guard standards. Flotation foam that simply meets standards often falls short as a long-term solution. Empire Foam Solutions’ flotation foam offers a cost-effective, durable, and long-lasting alternative that goes beyond basic requirements.
Understanding Coast Guard Standards
The U.S. Coast Guard sets minimum standards for flotation foam to ensure basic safety requirements are met. These standards focus on initial buoyancy requirements but don’t necessarily account for long-term performance under real-world conditions. If you want your vessel to last more than a few years and to avoid replacing your foam in the near future, you will need better than basic Coast Guard-approved flotation foam.
Why Should Flotation Foam Surpass Basic Standards?
If your flotation foam rests below the waterline, it is only a matter of time before it becomes waterlogged. This is one of the most significant issues affecting watercraft today. Experienced maritime professionals consistently observe that water eventually seeps into basic Coast Guard-approved foam that resides below the waterline. When this occurs, the flotation foam transforms from buoyancy to a liability, as waterlogged foam adds weight to your vessel. If you have basic foam, you will constantly need to check for waterlogged foam or risk the structural integrity of your vessel. With basic foam, you can expect:
- Frequent replacement of waterlogged sections
- Increased maintenance costs
- Reduced vessel performance and efficiency
- Potential structural integrity issues
Avoid Waterlogged Foam & Choose Empire Foam Solutions
It is best to choose a flotation foam that substantially exceeds basic Coast Guard standards. Empire Foam Solutions’ 2.2 pcf closed-cell, slow rise, flotation foam is one such flotation foam. Our closed-cell flotation foam has a tight barrier, unlike open-cell foam which has tiny air pockets that allow water to enter the foam. With the enhanced protection of our closed-cell flotation foam, you can expect:
- Longer service life in submerged conditions
- Maintained buoyancy over time
- Reduced maintenance requirements & decreased downtime
- Enhanced impact resistance
- Greater durability in extreme conditions
Have Our Flotation Foam Installed
When it comes to flotation foam, exceeding minimum standards isn’t just about better performance—it’s about protecting your investment and ensuring long-term safety and reliability. Basic Coast Guard-approved flotation foam is not enough. Fortunately, Empire Foam Solutions’ flotation foam is available for vessel owners who seek extended service life, reduced maintenance, and enhanced performance.
Contact Empire Foam Solutions today to learn how our flotation foam can provide lasting protection for your maritime assets.