Official Life Saving Signals and Rescue Methods Sign

Life Saving Signals and Rescue Methods Sign for SOLAS Compliance

This life saving signals and rescue methods sign reproduces the complete SOLAS-required chart of visual signals used during a rescue: landing signals for guidance of small boats with crews or persons in distress, signals to be employed in connection with the use of shore life-saving apparatus, replies from lifesaving stations or maritime rescue units to distress signals, air-to-surface visual signals, surface-to-air visual signals, and signals for survivors. The IP0047 life saving signals and rescue methods sign keeps every SOLAS-mandated signal in one place, in the exact wording and diagrams inspectors and rescue coordinators expect to see.

When to Use This Sign

SOLAS Chapter V requires every ship to carry a table of life-saving signals, and this life saving signals and rescue methods sign is the standard way to display it. Post it on the bridge, in the chart room, and near lifeboat or rescue boat stations, so officers and crew can reference the correct manual signal, light signal, flag signal, or pyrotechnic response during an actual rescue or abandon-ship situation, when there is no time to search for the information elsewhere.

Design and Materials

The IP0047 sign is produced on self-adhesive film in your choice of material – non-glow vinyl, or DNV Wheelmark certified Class C / Class D photoluminescent film and a long-duration afterglow in low-light or emergency bridge-blackout conditions. The film is waterproof and resistant to saltwater spray, suited to bridge wings and semi-exposed areas as well as internal chart rooms. The glossy, wipe-clean finish keeps the dense signal diagrams legible over years of service, and peel-and-stick installation means no drilling or extra tools are required.

Installation and Use

Clean and dry the mounting surface before applying this life saving signals and rescue methods sign, and position it on the bridge or chart room wall where the officer of the watch can reference it quickly during an emergency.

Because the chart covers multiple distinct signal categories — small boat guidance, shore apparatus signals, rescue unit replies, and air-surface signals — it works best mounted flat and fully visible rather than folded or partially obscured, so every section stays readable at a glance.

Compliance and Standards

The sign supports compliance with SOLAS Chapter V, Regulation 16, which requires vessels to carry an illustrated table of life-saving signals for use by ships or persons in distress with participating ships or aircraft. For general workplace safety signage guidance relevant to Australian-flagged and Australian-operated vessels, see Safe Work Australia.

Fitting Into a Vessel’s Broader Maintenance and Compliance Plan

A life saving signals and rescue methods sign is a mandatory reference under a vessel’s SOLAS documentation, alongside muster lists, lifeboat launching instructions, and the ship’s emergency response procedures. Keeping this sign posted and legible on the bridge gives inspectors a quick, visible confirmation that the vessel meets its SOLAS Chapter V signalling requirements.

Ordering Information

IP0047 ships ready to install, cut to standard poster dimensions, and ready for immediate use on the bridge or in the chart room. Browse the full range of IMO compliance posters to outfit every navigation and rescue station on board.