Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) has recently approved a new non-skid coating for use onboard Navy ships.
“The new type of coating provides a quick and easy non-slip surface that ship’s force apply themselves,” said John Wegand, Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Carderock Division non-skid engineering manager.
NSWC Carderock is a NAVSEA field activity. As a Technical Authority, NAVSEA is accountable for the technical engineering elements of ship maintenance, modernization, construction, design and safety.
“The new ‘peel & stick’ variety offers a 66 percent cost savings when compared to covering a similar area using traditional non-skid,” said Cruiser Class Squadron (CGRON) Combat Systems Analyst Chief Fire Controlman (Surface Warfare) Anthony Belbeck. “The new non-skid also offers a 50 percent weight savings compared to a similar area.”
Commander, Naval Surface Force's Financial Readiness Management Team has validated a $31.8k dollar benefit in cost avoidance. Continuing this effort, CGRON is working with USS Cape St. George (CG 71), USS Princeton (CG 59) and USS Cowpens (CG 63) to help fund the installation of peel & stick vice traditional non-skid.
Twenty-three hundred square feet of the new material was installed onboard USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) in April 2008. The ship has been on deployment since January 2009.
"It is much easier to keep clean and it’s holding up remarkably well; I have not had to replace anything as of yet," said Boatswain’s Mate Third Class John B. Prosperie, USS Lake Champlain, OD Division.
The non-skid material has also withstood the heavy abuse of ammunition cans, tools and traffic without the cohesive effectiveness being noticeably affected. The ship's Sailors also reported that repairs could be accomplished by one person with minimal equipment and time.
The new non-skid is now available through the Navy supply system as an open purchase item from the Louisiana Association for the Blind.
(Source: Naval Sea Systems Command Office)