Marine Safety Signage

Staying Compliant
Ensuring compliance with safety signage requirements in the marine sector can be challenging, as the regulations which cover this area are wide-ranging and subject to change. Whether you operate cruise ships, a fleet of super tankers, a large yacht or a small fishing boat, it’s important to stay abreast of the regulations and understand your responsibilities for displaying accurate and up-to-date marine safety signage wherever required. 

In this blog we’ll take a look at who sets the international regulations governing marine safety signage and consider the guiding principles behind the signage requirements in each sector of the maritime industry.

Who Sets Maritime Safety Signage Regulations?
The Maritime Safety Committee of the London-based International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the entity which develops international regulations for improving safety at sea. These cover the shipping industry globally and are followed by all shipping nations

Safety in the shipping industry is also governed by the IMO’s SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Convention. This was first adopted in 1914 and has been updated a number of times since.

IMO SOLAS signs are designed to satisfy Chapter III, Regulation 9.2.2 and Regulation 9.2.3 of the SOLAS Convention. This stipulates that marine safety signage is required to be easily seen under emergency lighting conditions, and they must be used in accordance with the IMO’s recommendations.

New Regulations in 2019

Prior to 2019, IMO signage differed from ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standards and resolution. The ISO had been working for some time to devise a consistent system for safety signage for both maritime and on-shore applications. 

As a result of ISO/IMO co-operation, hundreds of new IMO-compliant safety signs entered into force at the beginning of 2019. The new marine safety signage regulations cover all new ships built after 1 January 2019, as well as all vessels which undergo repairs, modifications or outfitting within the scope of SOLAS Charters II-2 and/or III from that date. 

Marine Safety Signage Categories

Anyone who has responsibility for safety aboard a marine vessel, whether this is a day cruiser, a tug, a battleship or a cargo ship, needs to understand which categories and types of marine safety signage they are responsible for installing and displaying. 

Broadly speaking, all safety signage required in the marine industry falls into one of the following 17 categories:

• Emergency Equipment signs
• Fire-Fighting Equipment signs
• IMDG Code signs (to identify dangerous goods)
• IMO Fire Control signs
• Information signs
• ISPS Code signs (to identify restricted areas)
• Life-saving signs
• Mandatory signs
• MCA Code signs (to identify type and use of vessel)
• Means of Escape signs
• Multi-Message signs
• Offshore Wind signs
• Prohibition signs
• Safety Awareness signs
• Temporary Tie Tag signs
• Warning signs
• Water Safety signs

Diversity of Safety Signage Requirements

The shipping industry globally is huge and extremely diverse. The safety signage needed on a cruise ship clearly isn’t going to be quite the same as that on a floating wind-turbine. Let’s consider what drives the range and diversity of marine safety signage that’s in use today

Passenger Vessels

Passenger vessels include ferries, cruise ships and ocean liners. Passenger ships in operation around the world today are subject to a vast array of regulations and standards covering every aspect of their construction and operation. Vessels must comply with all relevant IMO safety signage regulations, including those in the SOLAS. A lot of the signage requirements are driven by the paramount importance of protecting passengers and crew while on board. 

Cargo Vessels

Cargo vessels include container ships, oil tankers, LPG tankers and bulk carriers. As many cargo vessels carry hazardous materials, vessel managers and captains must ensure that the appropriate safety signage displaying the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) codes is in place. All crew members need to be aware of hazards and their nature, and of the measures required to be taken to protect themselves while on-board.

Offshore Energy Industry

The offshore energy industry comprises two main sub-sectors: 
• Oil and Gas sector – includes platform supply vessels, offshore construction vessels, oil and gas platforms and floating production storage and offloading units (FPSOs).
• Renewable Energy sector – includes offshore construction vessels, fixed and floating wind turbines, service operation vessels and crew transfer vessels.





Ports and Harbours

In this environment, where tugs, ferries, fishing-vessels and jack-ups may all be operating in close proximity, a Harbour Master must focus on operating a safe port. The marine safety signage displayed needs to identify any hazards present in the port. Navigational safety is critically important in busy ports and harbours, as is care for the environment. Both of these issues are governed by a wide range of local, national and international laws and regulations.

Safety signage also extends to harbour offices and port terminal facilities.

Superyachts and Megayachts

Superyachts and megayachts are subject to the same international standards as other classes of maritime vessel. 

Military Vessels

Warships, fleet auxiliaries, naval dockyards and shipyards fall under this category. Crew safety is of paramount importance. As the possibility of encountering critical situations is higher than usual in military vessels on active service, well-placed high grade photo luminescent signage is essential. These can mean the difference between life and death.

High Quality Marine Safety Signage from British Safety Signs

Whichever types of vessel you operate, British Safety Signs has all the signage you need. We produce a huge range of high quality marine safety signage, all manufactured in-house and using state-of-the-art printing technology. From the smallest fishing-boat to the biggest super tanker, we have you covered.

To see our full range of safety signage, please click here. If you don’t see the sign(s) you’re looking for, please contact us. Our technicians will be pleased to design and manufacture a sign that meets your specific needs.