Practical guides for people who buy ship stores and marine supplies. Each one answers the questions buyers ask most, with the facts that matter when you write an enquiry.
An IMPA code is a unique six-digit number from the Marine Stores Guide, published by the International Marine Purchasing Association, that identifies one exact marine stores item. The first two digits give the category, the next two the product group and the last two the specific variant. Quoting the code with the unit and quantity avoids most ordering mistakes.
Read the guideA ship stores RFQ should let a supplier price every line without asking a question. For each line give the IMPA code, exact description, quantity and unit; for the order give the vessel, IMO number, port, ETA/ETD, delivery window, documents and payment terms. Then compare replies on the same basis.
Read the guideChoose a mooring rope by matching the fibre, construction, diameter and breaking load to the vessel's mooring design, then confirm every figure on the manufacturer's certificate or data sheet. Materials differ mainly in stretch, buoyancy and UV and abrasion behaviour, and general comparisons are only a starting point.
Read the guideShip safety equipment spans life-saving appliances, fire-fighting gear and personal protective equipment. SOLAS and its codes set the framework, but the exact items, approvals and service intervals for a vessel come from its flag administration and class society, so confirm them before you order. This guide is general information only.
Read the guideMarine paint is ordered by the maker's product name, colour and pack size, not by a generic description. The data sheet gives volume solids, dry film thickness, spreading rate, pot life and overcoating interval. Check surface preparation, storage life and dangerous-goods paperwork before you request a quotation.
Read the guideShip tools are specified by type, size and drive, plus voltage and plug for electrical tools or air pressure and consumption for pneumatic ones. Measuring tools may need a calibration certificate. Many manufacturer spare parts have no IMPA code, so quote the maker's part number for them.
Read the guidePipe flanges and valves are specified by standard, nominal size and pressure designation: JIS uses K-numbers, DIN/EN uses DN and PN, and ASME uses NPS and Class. These systems are not interchangeable, so an order must name the standard, size, rating, material and end connection.
Read the guideGalley and cabin stores sit in IMPA sections 00 (Provisions), 17 (Tableware & Galley Utensils), 15 (Cloth & Linen Products), 11 (Welfare Items) and 55 (Cleaning Material & Chemicals). Each item has a fixed unit of measure, so an RFQ should give the code, pack size, quantity, delivery port and date.
Read the guideOn a ship stores list the unit of measure (UOM) says what one ordered unit is: a piece, a set, a pair, a length, a coil, a kilogram or a can. It is part of the specification, so a quantity without a unit is ambiguous. Always write code, description, unit and quantity together, and confirm the unit when a quotation arrives.
Read the guideShipsBay is a quote-first marine supply catalogue. You browse IMPA-coded products and build an RFQ cart without an account; sending needs a signed-in, verified customer or supplier account. Staff then prepare a quote that you accept or reject online. There is no checkout, and tenders are a premium feature.
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