In the maritime industry, safety signage is more than a formality—it’s a legal requirement. To protect lives, ensure safe evacuations during emergencies, and work safely, it is essential to identify all firefighting and rescue equipment. International regulations, such as SOLAS, IMO resolutions, and ISO standards, prescribe strict performance and material guidelines for all signs and Low Location Lighting (LLL) systems.

T-ISS Safety Signs and Posters by SafeSign are designed not only to meet these requirements, but to exceed them. Using innovative materials and a sustainability-first approach, our signage solutions are designed to withstand the harshest marine environments while maintaining full compliance.

Below is an overview, categorized by product type, of all IMO standards and SOLAS regulations relevant to our sign products, ensuring full compliance by SafeSign:

Safety Instructions

• SOLAS Part 1, regulation II-2/13.7.2.2 and III-part B 8.2 and 8.4
• IMO A.752(18); Mimic signs
• IMO A.691(17); Safety Instructions to passengers
• MSC/circ. 699, 3
• MSN 1409
• ISO 24409-4; Shipboard plans for safety instructions

 
Safety Signage

• SOLAS Part 1, regulation II-2/13.7.1.1 and III/11.5
• FSS-Code; Chapter 13
• MSC/Circ. 699, 2
• IMO 1116(30): Escape route signs and equipment location markings
• IMO A.760(18) and IMO A.952(23) are recalled by IMO 1116(30)  2017-12
• MSN 1409
• ISO 24409-2; Catalogue of shipboard safety signs

The use of PET-X in Signage instead of PVC

According to SOLAS Chapter II-2, specifically Regulation 6 (Smoke Generation Potential and Toxicity) and Regulation 5 (Flame-Spread Characteristics), all materials used in areas where people live or work must be carefully selected to minimize smoke and toxic gas emissions in case of fire. Surfaces such as corridor walls, stairway enclosures, and accommodation areas are required to have low flame-spread properties, as outlined in the Fire Test Procedures Code.

Traditionally, many signs have been made from PVC, a plastic that contains halogens. While cheap and readily available, PVC can release highly toxic smoke when burned—posing a severe hazard to passengers and crew. To eliminate this risk and meet evolving safety and environmental regulations, SafeSign has replaced PVC with an innovative material: PET-X.

PET-X is a modified polyester that offers several advantages. It is completely halogen-free, 100% recyclable, and highly resistant to UV degradation. While PVC tends to discolor and yellow under sunlight, PET-X maintains its clarity and color integrity—even in outdoor marine environments.

Our SafeSign Signs made from PET-X come with a 10-year warranty, ensuring both long-term compliance and reduced replacement costs. By using PET-X instead of PVC, vessel operators not only enhance onboard fire safety but also make a more sustainable and regulation-compliant choice.

Luminance Properties – ISO 16069

The illustration above shows a representative layout of a Safety Way Guidance System (SWGS), as defined in ISO 16069. It demonstrates how photo luminescent signage and markings are used to guide occupants safely along escape routes in the event of an emergency or power failure.

The key components in this layout include:

1. Escape route signs at intermediate positions (typically 30 × 15 cm), placed at eye level to reinforce direction
   2. High-mounted, single-sided photo luminescent safety signs positioned above doors and intersections for maximum visibility
   3. Door frame and handle indicators, assisting with door recognition and operation in low visibility conditions
   4. Low-level guidance lines with directional indicators, installed no higher than 300 mm from the floor and spaced according to ISO 15370.

This layout complies with the luminance performance and placement requirements outlined in ISO 16069, ensuring reliable visibility during evacuation scenarios.

Installation of Safety Signs

SafeSign is the only manufacturer that supplies all signs, posters, and Low Location Lighting (LLL) strips with a marine-grade self-adhesive backing. This eliminates the need for additional adhesives, screws, or fasteners, making installation faster, cleaner, and more reliable.

We use a closed-cell PE foam adhesive layer specifically chosen for its durability in harsh marine environments. It offers excellent resistance to moisture, temperature changes, and mechanical stress, ensuring long-lasting adhesion on a wide range of surfaces.

Every product is delivered with a protective front film to prevent surface damage during transport and installation. This film should be removed only after the sign has been securely mounted in its final position.

IMO SafeSign Posters

In accordance with SOLAS regulations, all vessels must place instructional signage near rescue and lifesaving equipment. These signs must clearly explain the function, operation, and required actions for each device to ensure safe and effective use in an emergency.

SafeSign provides a complete range of training and instruction posters, specifically designed for maritime environments. Each poster is printed on durable, weather-resistant PETX material and features a marine-grade self-adhesive backing for easy installation. Click here to view the Safesign Catalog 

• Standard size: 30 × 40 cm
• Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
• Bilingual versions available upon request

If you have specific requirements or need a customized design, our team is happy to assist you. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch.