IMO Resolution A.1116(30) Escape route signs and equipment location markings

Geplaatst op 8 June 2018

IMO Resolution A.1116(30) – The assembly of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has agreed to adopt the safety symbols of ISO 7010 and ISO 24409-1 from 1-Jan-2019.

Both the IMO and the SOLAS regulations have already contained amendments and images for many decades for escape route signage and equipment marking. The equipment markings are primarily signage for fire control equipment and systems, lifesaving equipment and fire-fighting equipment. The amendments also contain symbols for signs which are originally intended for safety plans and escape route plans. In specific cases, there were differences between the symbols used on the signs and those used in the drawings.

Examples of these include e.g. the symbols for fire-fighting equipment.

Because of these differences, it is not possible to create a safety signage system that has the same philosophy, uniformity and recognisability throughout. The value of having completely red symbols for making fire prevention resources clearly recognisable is missing, for instance. It is also not aligned with the international standards for the use of colours and symbols as applied onshore.

The ISO Committee on Graphical Symbols has been working for some years on developing a consistent system for safety signage for both maritime and onshore applications.

To start with, there is a general standard stating the basic principles, ISO 3864. Among other things, the ISO 3864 describes the use of colour and recognisability (size and layout of symbols). Then there are standards with specific registered symbols for onshore applications (ISO 7010) and maritime applications (ISO 24409).

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) convention has now issued RES A.1116(30) in which it has adopted the symbols from ISO 7010 and ISO 24409. The intention is that the use of escape route signage and the marking of fire prevention and rescue equipment will be applied on vessels that are built or that undergo modifications or repairs within the scope of SOLAS chapters II-2 and/or III, combined with resolution A.952(23) for updating the ‘fire control’ plans in accordance with SOLAS II-2/15 2.4.

See also the publication in the IMO News Magazine on pages 12-14 and the summary of the 30^th session of the IMO.