Official Do Not Throw Foreign Objects Into the Sea Sign

Do Not Throw Foreign Objects Into the Sea Sign for Marine Pollution Prevention

The Do Not Throw Foreign Objects Into the Sea Sign is an IMO prohibition sign used aboard ships to remind crew and passengers not to discard litter, packaging, or other debris overboard. Marine pollution from shipboard waste is strictly regulated under MARPOL Annex V, and even small, seemingly harmless items such as cigarette butts, plastic wrappers, or food scraps can cause lasting environmental harm and expose the vessel operator to regulatory penalties.

When to Use This Sign

Install the Do Not Throw Foreign Objects Into the Sea Sign at open deck areas, railings, and any location where passengers or crew might be tempted to discard rubbish directly into the water rather than using designated waste receptacles. It is especially important on passenger vessels with high guest traffic on open decks, where a lack of awareness of MARPOL requirements can otherwise lead to casual littering.

Design and Materials

This sign is printed on self-adhesive film in your choice of material – non-glow vinyl, or DNV Wheelmark certified Class C / Class D photoluminescent film. It carries a long-duration afterglow, remaining visible in darkness or during a blackout after normal light exposure. The sign is waterproof and resistant to saltwater exposure, with a glossy, wipe-clean finish suited to exposed deck areas subject to weather and spray.

Installation and Use

The Do Not Throw Foreign Objects Into the Sea Sign uses a peel-and-stick self-adhesive backing, allowing installation directly onto railings, bulkheads, or deck structures without tools or drilling. Clean and dry the mounting surface before application to ensure maximum adhesion in the marine environment. Position the sign at railings and other points where someone might otherwise dispose of rubbish overboard, alongside nearby waste and recycling receptacles.

Compliance and Standards

This sign complies with IMO Resolution A.1116(30) governing graphical symbols for shipboard safety signage and reflects the discharge restrictions set out in MARPOL Annex V for the prevention of pollution by garbage from ships, with further guidance on environmental compliance available from Safe Work Australia. These standards ensure the sign’s wording is internationally recognised, supporting consistent waste-management practices across the maritime industry.

Fitting Into a Vessel’s Broader Environmental Compliance Plan

A clearly displayed do not throw foreign objects into the sea sign works alongside a vessel’s Garbage Management Plan and onboard waste segregation and recycling procedures to reinforce responsible waste handling among crew and passengers alike. Port state control inspections routinely check that MARPOL-related signage is present, legible, and correctly positioned at relevant deck areas as part of a vessel’s overall environmental compliance record.

Ordering Information

This Do Not Throw Foreign Objects Into the Sea Sign is supplied under product code IP0075. It forms part of Safety Sign Hub’s full IMO Posters range, covering the complete set of IMO-compliant prohibition, warning, and information signage used across marine vessels, offshore installations, and port facilities. Contact Safety Sign Hub for bulk ordering or custom sign requirements.

Displaying our official do not throw foreign objects into the sea sign at prominent locations onboard helps crew and passengers understand marine pollution prevention requirements under MARPOL regulations. Browse our full range of Prohibition Signs for more IMO-compliant maritime safety signage.