Fire Main Section Valve Sign

Fire Main Section Valve Sign – FS0122

This fire main section valve sign shows the IMO fire control symbol marking a sectioning valve fitted into the vessel’s fire main. The bowtie-style valve symbol follows the standard IMO fire control symbol convention used on fire control plans and at the valve itself, so it is recognisable to crew regardless of language.

Where this fire main section valve sign is used

A fire main section valve lets crew isolate one section of the fire main from another, so a damaged or leaking section can be shut off without losing water pressure to the rest of the system. This fire main section valve sign marks exactly where each of these valves is located, so crew can find and operate the correct one quickly during an emergency.

This sign is fixed directly at or above the valve, typically in machinery spaces, alleyways, and other points along the fire main required by the vessel’s fire control plan, so the valve’s location is always obvious at a glance. If a fire damages one section of pipework, closing the nearest section valve keeps water available to the rest of the fire main instead of losing pressure across the whole system.

Every section valve on board should be marked the same way, so crew build a consistent expectation of what to look for regardless of which part of the vessel they are in. A valve that blends into its surroundings or is left unmarked is far slower to find under the pressure of an actual fire than one identified by this sign.

This sign is checked during SOLAS fire safety surveys, where the surveyor confirms that every fire main section valve is clearly marked, that the sign is visible and unobstructed, and that its position matches the vessel’s fire control plan. Correct labelling of every section valve is a standard item reviewed during these inspections, since a missing or obscured sign can slow down verification that the fire main can be sectioned as designed.

New crew should be shown the location of section valves throughout the vessel during safety familiarisation and fire drills, since knowing which valve isolates which section without hesitation can materially affect how quickly water pressure is preserved during a fire. Clear, consistent labelling like this sign removes that hesitation.

Consistent signage also matters during a routine walk-through inspection, since an unmarked or poorly identified section valve can slow down an auditor trying to confirm the vessel’s fire control plan matches what is actually fitted on board. Fitting this fire main section valve sign at every valve keeps the fire control plan easy to verify against the equipment in place.

Section valves should be tested regularly as part of the vessel’s routine fire safety equipment checks, since a valve that cannot be found quickly, or that has seized from lack of use, defeats the purpose of being able to isolate a damaged section. Keeping this sign in good condition also makes it easier for the crew member responsible for testing to confirm every section valve is accounted for.

Technical specifications:
SKU: FS0122
IMPA: 33.6818
ISSA: 47.568.18
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 valve. 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.

Browse our full range of fire fighting signs for more IMO-compliant maritime safety signage.