SOLAS Reflective Self-Adhesive Tape (5 cm) – For Life-Saving Equipment

This SOLAS reflective tape is specifically designed for use on all types of life-saving equipment – lifejackets, life buoys, life rafts, rescue boats, and more. The tape is 50 mm (5 cm) wide and is usually supplied in rolls from which you can cut the desired length. It appears silvery-gray in color and has the text "SOLAS" printed at intervals along it to indicate that the material is certified to the required standards.

Thanks to its micro-prismatic structure, the tape reflects any light that hits it extremely effectively back toward the source. In practice, when a beam from a searchlight, ship’s spotlight, or flashlight illuminates this tape, it shines very brightly – making the object it’s applied to (for example, a lifejacket or lifebuoy) far more visible in the dark. This is critically important during night rescue operations: reflective tapes help rescuers locate people and equipment in the water when scanning with beams of light. The visibility this tape provides can exceed 1 nautical mile when properly illuminated, greatly increasing the chances of a successful and timely rescue.

The tape has a self-adhesive backing – the reverse side is coated with a strong adhesive protected by a peel-off paper liner. This makes installation extremely easy: cut the piece you need from the roll, remove the backing paper, and press the tape onto a clean, dry surface. The adhesive is formulated for the marine environment, so the tape bonds firmly to various materials: fabrics on lifejackets, vinyl/PVC surfaces of rafts, painted metal parts of rescue boats or ship structures, hard plastic, and more. Once applied correctly, the tape stays in place for the long term and will not peel off even when soaked or subjected to temperature swings.

SOLAS reflective tape is built to endure harsh conditions without losing its properties. It is UV-resistant, meaning prolonged exposure to sunlight won’t diminish its reflectivity or cause it to crack. It’s also saltwater resistant, and its structure won’t deteriorate with constant exposure to seawater or high humidity. The tape retains its flexibility and adhesive strength across a wide temperature range – from hot tropical conditions to cold climates. This ensures that once you put it on your equipment, it will perform its function for years.

According to international regulations (SOLAS/LSA Code), all life-saving appliances on board ships – including lifejackets, life buoys, life rafts, and rescue boats – must have reflective tape affixed to them to be easily seen. This tape fully meets those requirements. For yacht and boat owners, while the law may not explicitly mandate it as it does for commercial ships, it is highly advisable to use SOLAS tape on your safety gear. For example, adding reflective strips on the shoulders of each lifejacket on board, around the circumference of each lifebuoy, and on all sides of a life raft can dramatically improve their visibility in the dark if they ever need to be used.

• Applications: Apply the reflective tape strategically: on the front and back of lifejackets (usually down the length of the shoulders), on all sides of life buoys, on the top edges or canopy of life rafts, on the gunwales of rescue boats, etc. You can also put it on objects like oars, portable emergency beacons (EPIRBs), or flashlights – anything that may need to be found in the dark.
• Visibility: When illuminated with a powerful searchlight (from a ship or helicopter), the tape can be seen from extremely far away. This enhances coordination of rescue efforts – for instance, an aerial search team in a helicopter will more easily spot a lifejacket with reflectors among waves at night.
• Installation Tips: The surface you’re sticking it to should be clean, dry, and ideally degreased. It’s best to apply the tape in conditions above ~10°C (50°F) for optimal initial bonding. Smooth the tape down firmly to eliminate any air bubbles between it and the surface.
• Maintenance: Reflective tapes generally require no special upkeep. If they get dirty (mud, salt residue), you can gently wipe them with a damp cloth (avoid abrasives) to restore full reflectivity. Periodically check that the edges remain well-adhered; if after years the tape begins to peel or if any sections get damaged and lose reflectivity, replace those portions with new SOLAS tape segments.