Fire Blanket Sign

Fire Blanket Sign – IMO Fire Control Symbol FS0212

The Fire Blanket sign is a mandatory IMO fire control symbol used to mark the stowage location of a fire blanket on board a vessel. Recognised under IMO Resolution A.654(16) and reproduced to ISO 17631, this pictogram allows crew, surveyors, and shore-based emergency responders to identify a fire blanket position instantly, regardless of the language they speak.

The symbol depicts a folded, wavy-edged red cloth panel above the words “FIRE BLANKET”, denoting a compact fire-smothering blanket kept ready for immediate use on small fires or to wrap around a person whose clothing has caught alight. This design forms part of the internationally standardised library of fire control symbols found on fire control plans, damage control plans, and general arrangement drawings across commercial vessels, offshore installations, and naval ships.

Why the Fire Blanket Location Matters

A fire blanket is one of the fastest tools available for smothering a small, contained fire, such as a galley cooking fire or a fire involving a person’s clothing, cutting off the oxygen supply within seconds of being deployed. Because a blanket left in the wrong place, or one that crew cannot find quickly under stress, is of little use in the critical first moments of an incident, crew need a clear, instantly recognisable sign to identify its location without delay.

Because rapid, unambiguous identification of fire-fighting equipment is so important during a fire emergency, SOLAS Chapter II-2 and the Fire Safety Systems Code require clear signage marking the position of every fire blanket, so crew unfamiliar with a particular vessel, relief officers, and visiting surveyors can find them without delay. This sign is typically mounted directly above or beside the blanket’s wall-mounted storage case, and is also reproduced on the fire control plan posted at the gangway and bridge.

Compliance and Certification

This Fire Blanket sign is manufactured to comply fully with IMO Resolution A.654(16) and ISO 17631 symbol requirements, ensuring the pictogram, colour scheme, and proportions match the standard expected during port state control inspections, classification society surveys, and SOLAS compliance audits. Non-standard or incorrectly proportioned signage is a common source of survey deficiencies, so every FS0212 sign is checked against the current IMO symbol register before it leaves our warehouse.

Manufactured from durable photoluminescent, self-adhesive vinyl, this sign charges under normal ambient lighting and glows for an extended period in the dark, ensuring the fire blanket location remains identifiable even during a blackout or power failure. This self-luminous performance is especially valuable in galleys and accommodation spaces, where visibility can drop sharply during a fire event.

Installation Recommendations

For best results, mount this sign at eye level directly above or beside the wall-mounted case or cabinet holding the blanket, in a position that stays visible and unobstructed by cabling, fittings, or nearby equipment. Clean the mounting surface thoroughly to remove any dust, grease, or moisture before applying the self-adhesive backing, ensuring a permanent bond that will hold up to the conditions typical of a galley or accommodation space.

Vessels undergoing a fire control plan update, newbuild fit-out, or SOLAS compliance retrofit should ensure this sign is included alongside the complete suite of IMO fire control symbols so that the printed fire control plan matches the physical signage installed throughout the ship. Surveyors routinely cross-check the fire control plan against signage actually fitted onboard, making consistency between the two a key focus area during flag state and classification inspections.

Key features of this Fire Blanket sign include:

• Complies with IMO Resolution A.654(16) and ISO 17631 fire control symbol standards
• Photoluminescent vinyl construction for visibility during power loss or low-light conditions
• Self-adhesive backing for fast, permanent installation on panels and bulkheads
• Waterproof and saltwater resistant for long-term use throughout the vessel
• Matches the standard pictogram used fleet-wide on fire control plans for consistent crew recognition

This sign is a small but essential part of a compliant fire control plan. Every sign we supply is checked for compliance before dispatch. Order your Fire Blanket sign today to keep your vessel’s fire control plan and physical signage fully aligned, supporting crew safety, SOLAS compliance, and a smooth outcome at your next port state control or classification survey.

For more information on the international symbol standards referenced above, see the International Maritime Organization resolution library. Browse our full range of Fire Fighting Signs for more IMO-compliant fire control signage for your vessel.