Emergency Bilge Pump Remote Control Sign

Emergency Bilge Pump Remote Control Sign – FS0116

This emergency bilge pump remote control sign shows the IMO fire control symbol for a remote control point serving the emergency bilge pump, distinct from the standard remote control symbol used for the vessel’s main bilge pump. The triangle enclosing a circle-and-arrow valve symbol follows the standard IMO fire control symbol convention used on fire control plans and at the control point itself, so the symbol is recognisable to crew regardless of language.

Where this emergency bilge pump remote control sign is used

Certain vessels carry an emergency bilge pump, an independently powered pump kept available for the scenario in which the main bilge pump cannot be relied upon due to flooding, fire, or loss of power in the machinery space. This emergency bilge pump remote control sign marks the point where that emergency pump can be started or stopped from outside the space it serves.

This sign is fixed at the remote control point for the emergency bilge pump, typically on a control panel, at a manned control station, or on deck near the pump’s control box, so crew can quickly start pumping out water without needing to enter a compartment that may already be unsafe. Distinguishing this control point from the remote control for the vessel’s main bilge pump matters directly, since confusing the two during flooding can waste time when removing water matters most.

The emergency bilge pump exists specifically for the scenario in which the main bilge pump cannot be relied upon, so its remote control point needs to be clearly and separately marked rather than left to be inferred from context. This emergency bilge pump remote control sign gives crew an unambiguous reference, distinct from the general remote control bilge pump sign used elsewhere on board.

This sign is checked during SOLAS fire safety surveys, where the surveyor confirms that the remote control point for the emergency bilge pump is clearly marked, correctly labelled, and remains accessible even if the main machinery space is unavailable. Correct labelling of this control point is a standard item reviewed during these inspections, since a mislabelled or missing sign can slow down verification that the vessel’s emergency bilge pump arrangement matches what is required.

New crew should be shown the location and correct operation of the emergency bilge pump remote control during safety familiarisation and fire drills, since hesitating to find or identify the right control can delay pumping out water in exactly the scenario the emergency pump is designed for. Clear, consistent labelling like this sign removes that hesitation.

Consistent signage also matters during a routine walk-through inspection, since an unmarked or ambiguous control point can slow down an auditor trying to confirm the vessel’s fire control plan matches the emergency bilge pump arrangement actually fitted on board. Fitting this emergency bilge pump remote control sign at the correct control point keeps that arrangement easy to verify against the equipment in place.

The emergency bilge pump and its remote control arrangement should be tested regularly as part of the vessel’s routine fire safety equipment checks, since a control that fails to start the pump during an actual emergency defeats the purpose of having an independent emergency source in the first place. Marking the control point clearly with this sign also makes it easier for the crew member responsible for testing to locate it without needing to consult a separate equipment list.

Technical specifications:
SKU: FS0116
IMPA: 33.6804
ISSA: 47.568.04
Compliant: IMO Resolution A.1116(30)

• Fire-retardant marine-grade material
• Available in non-glow vinyl, general purpose glow, or DNV Wheelmark certified Class C / Class D photoluminescent film
• Waterproof and saltwater resistant
• Glossy wipe-clean finish
• Peel-and-stick installation, no tools or drilling

Supplied ready to apply directly at the remote control point. Available in the standard size shown above.

This sign is produced to IMO fire control symbol specifications for consistent recognition across international fleets. Need a different size or a custom layout? Contact us for a quote.

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