MER Certification Do I Really Need It

Why Solarglide Solar Screens Don’t Require MER Certification

At Solarglide, we understand the pressures that shipowners and specifiers face when navigating maritime regulations — especially when it comes to bridge visibility and onboard safety. One question we hear often is: “Do Solarglide Solar Screens require UK MER certification?” Let’s clear the waters: they don’t — and here’s why.

Solarglide provide bespoke solar screens for ships

What Is MER Certification?

The Mer Certification ( UK Marine Equipment Regulations ) 2022 define which marine products need formal approval to sail under the Red Ensign flag. Only items listed in MSN 1874 Annex I — such as lifeboats and firefighting equipment  — must go through this process. Solar glare protection solutions like Solarglide’s range of anti-glare screens are not included in this list.

Bridge Sun Screens In Focus

Solarglide’s cassette and non-cassette solar screens are engineered for performance and simplicity. While they mount securely to brackets, every model is:

• Manually retractable
• Removable without tools
• Designed to fully clear the window space when not in use

This means they’re not permanently installed and don’t obstruct required visibility under SOLAS Chapter V, Regulation 22. Even in a fixed frame, our screens glide smoothly up or down, maintaining total transparency when needed. No Mer certification needed.

Solar Screens. Motorised, Cassette or Non Cassette Solar Screens by Solarglide

MER Certification | What That Means for Compliance at Sea

Because Solarglide solar screens:

• Are not classified as part of bridge navigational visibility systems
• Can be moved or stowed without tools
• Not listed in Annex I of the MER Certifications regulations

Means – Solarglide Solar Screens fall safely outside the scope of MER certification.

MER Certification | Best Practice on Board

We recommend the following, for smooth sailing during procurement and inspections:

• Refer to our Installation Guidance and Compliance Statement when fitting onboard
• Support Visual Comfort, not replacing mandatory visibility systems
• Request our Flame Retardancy Certification for extra peace of mind in accommodation areas

Trusted Protection, Zero Red Tape

Solarglide solar screens are built for the marine environment. They’re trusted on vessels worldwide to reduce glare, improve concentration, and protect bridge crew from harsh sunlight — all without adding unnecessary complexity to compliance.

If your clients, procurement team, or surveyors need assurance, we’re here to help with tailored documents and product advice — fast, friendly, and regulation-ready.

Here at Solarglide, we understand the importance of glare protection, not only for the safety of a vessel, but also for the health and wellbeing of crew and passengers travelling at sea. Many of our products including our bridge solar screens, privacy blinds, sheers and adhesive films help to significantly reduce or eliminate glare. This makes for better working and leisure conditions onboard. Photography credit – <a href=”https://www.vecteezy.com/free-photos/yacht”>Yacht Stock photos by Vecteezy</a>

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