The International Maritime Organization (imo.org) adopted the “ESCAPE ROUTE SIGNS AND EQUIPMENT LOCATION MARKINGS” (ESCAPE ROUTE SIGNS AND EQUIPMENT LOCATION MARKINGS) by resolution A.1116(30) on December 6, 2017. The purpose is to harmonize international symbols to indicate the location of ships’ emergency equipment and muster stations. The decision is mainly based on ISO related standards (ISO24409-2 which adopt fire-fighting sign code from ISO7010 at it`s latest eddition).
The development history of ship life-saving and fire-fighting related signs
Here is the brief development history of IMO resolution and relevant regulation for ship life-saving and fire-fighting related signs.
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- A.603(15) Resolution On November 9, 1987
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- Resolutions A.760(18) and MSC.82(70), MSC.1/Circ.1244 on On November 4, 1993
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- Resolution 3.A.654(16) passed on 19 October 1989
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- A.952(23) Resolution On December 5, 2003
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- Resolution A.1116(30) on December 6, 2017
1.A.603(15) Resolution
On November 9, 1987, the IMO adopted resolution A.603(15) mainly related to SOLAS chapter III, symbols related to life-saving equipment and devices, and symbols indicating the location of assembly stations, boarding stations, survival craft and other equipment. , the symbols have a green background.
2. Resolutions A.760(18) and MSC.82(70), MSC.1/Circ.1244
On November 4, 1993, IMO passed Resolution A.760(18), abolishing Resolution A.603(15). The signs stipulated in the two resolutions are basically the same, but Resolution A.760(18) adds the sign of the escape route for passenger ships to the assembly station, as well as the route and marking requirements from the assembly station to the boarding station. Resolution MSC.82(70) adopted on December 11, 1998 amended Resolution A.760(18) to add the sign of the marine evacuation system. On October 29, 2007, MSC.1/Circ.1244 added the marking of infant life jackets.
3. IMO Resolution A.654(16)
The resolution, passed on 19 October 1989, specifies the symbols used in ship fire control plans for use by crew members and shore-based fire brigade.
4. IMO A.952(23) Resolution
On December 5, 2003, the 23rd IMO Assembly adopted by resolution A.952(23) SOLAS chapter II-2 symbols for ship fire control plans, which are based on the ISO 17631:2002 standard. The symbols specified in resolution A.952(23) apply to ships constructed on or after 1 July 2004. The symbol is divided into three parts, namely structural fire protection, fire protection equipment, escape and escape equipment.
5. ISO 24409-2:2014 and Resolution A.1116(30) IMO Escape route signs and equipment location signs – the latest standard
The relationship between IMO and ISO has always been close. With the introduction of the ISO 24409-2:2014 standard, on November 15, 2016, IMO issued a circular letter MSC.1/Circ.1553 to draw the attention of all parties in the shipping industry. Previously, the standard could be adopted voluntarily. On December 6, 2017, the 30th IMO Assembly adopted the “Escape Route Signs and Equipment Location Signs” (Resolution A.1116(30)).
It is very delightful to see those regulations are keep developing. So the safety onboard could be more and more reliable. Thank you to the IMO and ISO also the experts who works hard and made their contribution on this.
Johnny Zhang
excerpts of ISO 24409-2:2014 and Resolution A.1116(30) IMO
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- Scope of application
Applicable to ships constructed on or after 1 January 2019;
Ships repaired, converted, converted and outfitted within the scope of SOLAS Chapter II-2 and/or III on or after 1 January 2019;
When developing the ship’s fire control plan required by SOLAS regulation II-2/15.2.4, it shall be used in conjunction with resolution A.952(23) as appropriate.
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- Logo classification
The signs are mainly divided into seven categories as follows:
MES: Escape Signs – Specifies the identification of escape routes;
EES: Emergency Equipment Signs – specifies the use and location of first aid facilities and portable safety equipment;
LSS: Life-saving system and equipment sign – specifies the use and location of life-saving systems and equipment;
FES: Fire Equipment Signs – Specifies the use and location of fire equipment.
PSS: Prohibition Signs – specifies prohibited acts;
WSS: Hazard Warning Signs – Provides identification to avoid hazards;
MSS: Mandatory Action Sign – Provides mandatory notices and instructions.
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- Signs used on board
3.1 Seven types of safety signs
The seven categories of safety signs specified in Part 2 are as follows:
3.2 Common display of the logo
The signs may in conjunction with the relevant survival signs above to form a series of mandatory signs for the safe release of a lifeboat, rescue boat or liferaft.
3.3 Fire Control Signs
The signs in the table below summarize the standardized ship fire control chart signs used in workplaces and public areas to assist trained personnel in the operation and management of shipboard fire control systems, primarily in accordance with resolution A.952(23) and ISO 17631. These signs are aimed at professionals and are used to identify and locate fire control equipment and are not designed according to safety sign rules. The standard symbols used in these signs conform to the ISO 17631 standard.
