International Shore Connection Sign

International Shore Connection Sign – FS0120

This international shore connection sign shows the IMO fire control symbol for the vessel’s international shore connection, the standardised coupling that lets shore-based fire brigades supply water to the ship’s fire main from the quayside. The symbol follows the standard IMO fire control symbol convention used on fire control plans and at the connection point itself, so it is recognisable to shore fire crews regardless of language or nationality.

Where this international shore connection sign is used

The international shore connection is a standardised fitting, built to a common flange size and bolt pattern under IMO Resolution A.654(16), that lets a shore fire brigade connect its own hoses and pumps to the vessel’s fire main whenever the ship’s own pumping capacity is not enough, or when the ship is alongside and shore assistance is available. This international shore connection sign marks exactly where that coupling is stowed or fitted so it can be found immediately in an emergency.

This sign is fixed at or near the international shore connection itself, typically on deck near the point where the coupling is stored or permanently fitted, so both ship’s crew and attending shore firefighters can locate it without delay. During a serious fire, shore assistance often arrives with pumps well beyond the ship’s own capacity, and every minute spent searching for the connection point is a minute the fire keeps spreading.

Because this coupling is a universal fitting recognised in ports worldwide, clearly marking its location with this sign matters just as much for shore fire crews who have never been aboard this particular vessel as it does for the ship’s own crew. A shore brigade arriving under pressure needs to identify the connection at a glance, not search the deck compartment by compartment.

This sign is checked during SOLAS fire safety surveys, where the surveyor confirms that this connection point is correctly marked, kept accessible, and that the coupling itself matches the required standard dimensions. Correct labelling of this connection point is a standard item reviewed during these inspections, since a mislabelled or hard-to-find connection can delay outside assistance exactly when it is needed most.

New crew should be shown its location during safety familiarisation, since knowing exactly where it is, and being able to direct arriving shore fire crews to it without hesitation, can materially affect how quickly outside help gets water onto a fire. Clear, consistent labelling like this sign removes that uncertainty.

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

The international shore connection and its stowage should be checked regularly as part of the vessel’s routine fire safety equipment checks, since a coupling that cannot be found or that does not fit a shore brigade’s standard hose connections defeats the purpose of carrying it in the first place. Marking the location clearly with this sign also makes it easier for the crew member responsible for testing to confirm it is present and ready.

Technical specifications:
SKU: FS0120
IMPA: 33.6059
ISSA: 47.560.59
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 connection 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.