Chapter 2 : Signs and Symbols

Lesson Proper Role of the seafarer

All seafarers should ensure that they understand
the meaning of signs and any
SAFETY SIGNS , SYMBOLS AND THEIR colour-coding system in use on their ship and follow the
USE relevant safety procedures.

Introduction Those aware of any deficiency in their colour

Any safety signs permanently erected on board UK vision should tell their supervisor, so
ships for the purpose of giving that adequate provision can be made where necessary.
health and safety information or instruction shall comply
with the regulations and merchant Signs and notices
shipping notices (MSNs). Other national and international The international standards for safety signs are
standards providing an equivalent explained in the following
level of safety will be accepted. paragraphs. Colours and symbols, when used appropriately,
can provide information and
Safety signs that include hazard warnings should warnings of hazards that can be understood by anyone,
be used to indicate hazards and obstructions or control regardless of what language they
measures to be taken where the hazard or obstruction speak. Annex 9.1 gives the types of sign that conform to
cannot be removed. Particular attention should be paid on international systems, where they
passenger ships to hazards that may be exist, and European-wide standards.
familiar to seafarers but not to passengers.
Symbols relating to life-saving appliances are
Where a language other than English is the working mandatory and are governed by
language of the ship, any text international standards. Those relating to fire control plans
used in conjunction with a sign should also be displayed in are recommended international
that language. standards.

Duty to display signs Permanent signs are used to:

The Company should ensure that safety signs are  give prohibitions, warnings and
displayed where appropriate. If mandatory requirements;
the Company is not in a position to provide signs (e.g.  mark emergency escape routes;
where the fittings of the ship are not identify first-aid facilities; and
within their control), they should ensure that signs are in
place before allowing any relevant
 show the location of firefighting
work to take place. The Company should also ensure that equipment.
the system of signs in use is clearly
understood. Red signs mean:
 stop doing something or don’t do it
(prohibition);
stop/shut down or evacuate; or Illuminated signs and acoustic signals must be
 mark the location and type of firefighting tested regularly to ensure that they
equipment. are working. Acoustic signs should comply with the IMO
Code on Alerts and Indicators,
2009
Signs of prohibition are based on a red circular band with a
red diagonal bar and
white backing. The symbol for the prohibited action is
shown in black behind the red diagonal bar, e.g. ‘No
smoking’, with a cigarette depicted.

A sign indicating firefighting equipment is a red

square or rectangle, with
information given in words or by a symbol in white.
Alternatively, an International Maritime No smoking Smoking
Organization (IMO) sign is a square or rectangle, with and naked flames No access for pedestrians
information given in words or by a symbol in red.

Yellow signs are advisory and mean be careful or

take precautions. Warning signs
are based on a yellow triangle with a black border. The
symbol for the hazard is shown in
black, e.g. poisoning risk with black skull and crossbones on
a yellow background.

Blue signs are mandatory and mean take a

specific action. Mandatory signs are Part 2 – warning signs
based on a blue disc. The symbol for the precaution to be
taken is shown in white, e.g.
‘Goggles to be worn’, with a person’s head with goggles
depicted. If, exceptionally, no
suitable symbol is available, appropriate wording may be
used instead, e.g. ‘Keep clear’.

Green signs mean emergency escape or a first-aid

sign. The sign is a green square
or rectangle, with safety information shown by words or a
Corrosive Radio
symbol in white. For example, a
active Overhead load
white arrow on a green background points to an emergency
exit.

If more information is needed to make clear the

meaning of any symbols used in a
safety sign or notice, then a supplementary sign with text
only may appear below the sign, e.g.
‘Not drinking water’.

The supplementary sign should be oblong or square and

either:
 white with text in black; or
 the same background colour as the
safety colour used on the sign it is
supplementing,with the text in the
relevant contrasting colour.
Occasional signs
Illuminated signs, acoustic signals, hand signals
and spoken signals may also be
used for temporary hazards or circumstances.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-
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