Marine type approval or statutory conformity
MED Wheelmark for shipboard fire-detection and alarm equipment
Marine equipment within the Directive's implementing regulation, assessed to applicable IMO-derived testing standards and marked with the wheelmark.
Where it matters
Where MED Wheelmark applies
Important when the item is covered by the Marine Equipment Directive and will be placed aboard an EU-flagged ship.
Fixed firefighting equipment
Life-saving appliances
EU-flagged vessels
Certification coverage
How to interpret this certification
Each certificate covers specific products and uses. These details explain what is covered.
MED
Understanding the mark
What the mark or label means
Compliant equipment carries the ship's-wheel mark. It is followed by the notified-body identification number and the year the mark was affixed. The mark must be visible, legible and indelible on the product, data plate, packaging or documents as allowed.
Fire safety products often covered
- Shipboard fire-detection and alarm equipment
- Fixed firefighting systems
- Portable extinguishers
- Fire doors and fire-resistant divisions
- Firefighter equipment and life-saving appliances
Points to check before you buy
- 01
MED applies to equipment placed aboard EU-flagged ships when the equipment category is listed in the current implementing regulation.
- 02
The evidence package normally includes type examination and production-conformity modules, plus an EU Declaration of Conformity.
- 03
Check the current item number, testing standards, module certificates and notified body.
- 04
Wheelmarking and class-society type approval are different. A vessel may require both.
Before you buy
What to check before relying on this certification
Certification is normally limited to a named model, configuration, standard and use. These checks turn a marketing claim into a procurement record.
- 01
Confirm the vessel's flag, class society, notation and the equipment category required by the approved design.
- 02
Match the exact model, software version, environmental category and installation limitations to the certificate.
- 03
Distinguish EU Marine Equipment Directive wheelmarking from a class-society type approval.
- 04
Check certificate validity, production-surveillance status and whether flag or class acceptance is still required.
Matched products and brands
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Products recorded with MED Wheelmark
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To find out more
Links & Sources
Standards, listings and certificate status can change. Use the issuing body’s source before final approval.
Knowledge base
Certification guides and comparisons
Practical guides to product certificates, approval schemes and project specifications.
GuideMarine type approval, class and the MED wheelmark
Distinguish statutory wheelmarking, class-society type approval and vessel-specific acceptance.
Read article
GuideUnderstanding IACS and IMO fire safety rules
How international rules, class requirements and product approvals interact.
Read article
GuideHow to verify a fire safety product certificate
A repeatable check of the certificate holder, model schedule, standard, approved applications, status and special conditions.
Read article
Knowledge base
Explore every technical guide
Browse standards, product selection, system design, maintenance and market-specific guidance.
View all resourcesCommon Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the wheelmark the same as CE marking?
No. The wheelmark is the conformity mark for marine equipment under Directive 2014/90/EU.
Does wheelmarked equipment work on every vessel?
Not automatically. The flag, vessel design, equipment item, installation location and class requirements still need to match.
Does MED Wheelmark apply to every product made by a certified brand?
No. It normally applies only to the models, variants, uses and conditions named in the current certificate or listing.
What should I include in a purchase order?
State the exact model, required certification and standard, destination market, documents to be supplied and any system compatibility or witnessing requirements.