Since 1st January 2019, hundreds of new International Maritime Organisation (IMO) compliant signs entered into force as part of the new IMO Resolution A.1116(30) Escape Route Signs and Equipment Location Markings. The assembly of the IMO recalls resolutions A760(18) as amended by resolution MSC82(70), and A952(23).
It has agreed to adopt the safety symbols of ISO 7010 and ISO 24409-2 and, subsequently, all escape route signs, equipment location markings and other safety signage aboard a vessel must be compliant and brought into line.
It was agreed that the new ISO signage was required to be used aboard new vessels from the beginning of 2019 – and in addition to new ships, all vessels that undergo repairs, alterations, modifications and outfitting within the scope of SOLAS charters II-2 and/or III, as applicable.
This means that relevant vessels need their signage replaced in order to be compliant.
The ISO Committee on Graphical Symbols had been working to devise a consistent system for safety signage for both maritime and on-shore applications, as previously the IMO signage differed from ISO standards and resolution.