Blackout Blinds
INTRODUCTION
Sola-Cure offer two ranges of fabric blackout blinds; the SERENE range and HEAVY DUTY range.
SERENE is available in up to 50 colours so there’s an option to suit every interior and design. From subtle pastel shades to bold prominent striking colours that make a statement of intent.
HEAVY DUTY fabric is, as the name suggests, a 4ply hybrid of PVC and fibreglass. The gloss finish provides an easy ‘wipe to clean’ surface that is easy to maintain.
Both SERENE and HEAVY DUTY materials are fire retardant to IMO standard and are provided with a fire test certificate.
Sola-Cure MED Blackout Blinds: Fire-Retardant Protection for Maritime Safety
In the maritime industry, safety and performance are non-negotiable. Every component onboard a vessel must meet strict regulations to ensure the protection of crew, passengers, and valuable equipment. This is where Sola-Cure’s MED Blackout Blinds come into their own—providing not only superior light control but also fire-retardant protection that complies with the Marine Equipment Directive (MED).
Certified for Safety at Sea
Sola-Cure’s blackout blinds are MED approved, ensuring they meet rigorous international standards for marine safety. The Marine Equipment Directive, enforced under the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) convention, outlines essential performance and safety criteria for products used on ships. By meeting this certification, Sola-Cure guarantees that its blackout blinds are suitable for use on all types of seagoing vessels, including cargo ships, tankers, naval ships, and offshore platforms and cruise ships.
Fire-Retardant Materials
One of the critical aspects of Sola-Cure’s MED blackout blinds is their fire-retardant construction. In the event of a fire onboard, every second counts. Materials used in enclosed areas such as crew quarters, must resist ignition and slow the spread of flames. Sola-Cure blackout blinds are manufactured using flame-resistant fabrics and components, reducing fire hazards and contributing to overall shipboard safety.
Total Light Elimination for Sensitive Areas
Designed to block 100% of incoming light, Sola-Cure blackout blinds are ideal forAccommodation areas
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Sleeping quarters
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Control rooms
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Passenger Areas
By eliminating light, these blinds support optimal rest for crew members during off-duty hours and reduce glare for operators working with screens or instruments, enhancing alertness and accuracy.
Easy to Install and Built to Last
Sola-Cure blackout blinds are custom-made to fit a wide range of window sizes and types. They are engineered for easy installation, robust enough for long-term use in demanding marine environments, and designed with low maintenance in mind.
The blackout blinds can be manually operated or integrated with electric motor systems for added convenience, particularly in high-traffic or hard-to-reach areas.
Why Choose Sola-Cure?
With decades of experience supplying solar and blackout blinds to the maritime industry, Sola-Cure is trusted by shipbuilders, fleet managers, and operators worldwide. Their commitment to safety, quality, and compliance ensures peace of mind when it matters most.
Key Benefits:
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MED (Marine Equipment Directive) approved
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Fire-retardant materials for increased onboard safety
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100% blackout capability
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Custom-made to fit any vessel
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Durable, low-maintenance design
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Manual and electric operation options available
Applications
Ferry / cruise ship
Accommodation and public areas often benefit from Blackout blinds where passengers seek to block out the light for sleep or for comfort from glare. Blackout blinds can also be required to block light emanating from the vessel
OIL RIGS
Blackout blinds are an essential component in accommodation areas, especially when workers need to sleep in daylight hours due to shift work. For total darkness, Sola-Cure offers a range of side rail options that eliminate almost all the light and ensure a healthy sleep.
YACHTS AND PLEASURE BOATS
Blackout blinds are a valuable addition on board pleasure boats and yachts where privacy is required. This is particularly useful when moored up for the evening in harbour or alongisde another vessel. Whether fitted in a bedroom or galley, Sola-Cure blackout blinds provide total privacy.
METHODS OF OPERATION
SPRING - Handle
A spring is mounted in the cassette. Handles are a neat option when the top and bottom of the window can be accessed easily. Depending on the width of the bottom rail, there are one or two handles mounted to the bottom rail for ease of operation.
CHAIN
A common and popular choice that is neat and easy to operate. The chain can be mounted on the left or right side of the cassette. A chain tidy is provided as standard.
MOTOR - AC/DC
Motorised blinds are a convenient selection, partcilularly where there are many windows in the bridge. Blinds can programmed to activate all at once or can be grouped for example; forward, aft, port and starboard blinds. Motors are available as a 12V lithium rechargeable, 12V hard wire or 240V AC mains supply. Each blind can be programmed to stop at a pre-determined height and to stop short of the cassette.
STABILITY AT SEA (OPTIONAL)
RETAINING HOOKS
A pair (or more) of nylon hooks are supplied for mounting at the base of the window. The bottom rail is fitted with male pegs that fit nicely into the hooks. To release from the hook, simply pull the blinds down a little and over the hooks. Hooks work best with handles and together create a very neat and compact solution.
SIDE RAILS
Side rails are an option for square or rectangular windows only. We offer a simple nylon channel without brushes if requried only for stability at sea. Alternatively, side rails can be supplied with brushes to reduce light emissions. This is more typical with blackout blinds.
Blackout Blinds
Are Sola-Cure blackout blinds compliant with IMO fire regulations?
More Info
Yes. Both Serene and Heavy Duty fabrics are IMO compliant. Sola-Cure independently test at a UKAS approved test house and can provide a copy of the certificate
What options do I have for stability at sea?
More Info
For chain operated blinds, we recommend side rails and for blinds operated with handles, these can be either side rails or retaining pins.
Are Sola-Cure blackout blinds anti microbial and/or mildew resistant?
More Info
Yes. Both Serene and Heavy Duty fabrics are both antimocrobial and mildew resistant. This is an essential requirement on board boats and ships.
Are Sola-Cure blackout blinds easy to fit?
More Info
Yes. Blinds can be mounted as a top fix (ceiling or horizontal face) and face fix. Two mounting blocks are required with each fitted using just one screw. We provide an animated video which shows just how easy it is.
Which method of operation is recommended for bedrooms on a ferry?
More Info
Spring operated blinds with handles are great but the user must be able to reach the top of the window easily. If not, and access can only be gained from one side of the window, we would suggest chain. The method of operation will then dictate the selection of stabilty at sea (if required).
Head Office
Auxano Group Ltd
Unit 22 ,
Southgate Business Park,
Heywood, Greater Manchester
United Kingdom
OL10 1PW