Machinery Vent Shutoff Sign – FS0087

Machinery Vent Shutoff Sign – FS0087

This machinery vent shutoff sign shows the standard IMO fire control symbol for a remote stopping arrangement, a green circle crossed by a diagonal cross inside a triangle, marked with the letter “M” to show that this particular control shuts down ventilation serving the machinery spaces. It follows the standard IMO fire control symbol convention used on fire control plans and at the equipment itself, so the symbol is recognisable to crew regardless of language.

Where this machinery vent shutoff sign is used

A remote ventilation shut-off allows crew to stop fans and close ventilation ducting serving a particular space from a safe distance, cutting off the air supply that would otherwise feed a fire and help it spread through the ductwork. Marking each control point with the space it serves, in this case machinery spaces, lets crew act quickly and correctly during an emergency without needing to trace ducting or consult a diagram first.

This machinery vent shutoff sign is fixed directly at or beside the remote shut-off control itself, typically at a fire control station, on deck near an escape route, or at another position that stays accessible even if the machinery space itself becomes unsafe to enter. Multiple remote shut-off controls are often grouped together at a single fire control station, each marked with its own letter, so this sign’s “M” designation lets crew identify the correct control among several at a glance.

Machinery spaces house the vessel’s main engines, generators, and auxiliary equipment, and are treated as a major fire risk area under SOLAS due to the concentration of fuel, lubricants, and ignition sources present. Cutting off ventilation to these spaces during a fire starves the fire of oxygen and helps contain it, working alongside fixed extinguishing systems and quick-closing fuel valves as part of a coordinated shutdown.

This sign is checked during SOLAS fire safety surveys, where the surveyor confirms that remote shut-off controls are clearly marked, correctly labelled for the space they serve, and remain accessible and unobstructed. Correct labelling of remote controls is a standard item reviewed during these inspections, since a mislabelled or missing sign can cost critical time during an actual emergency shutdown.

New crew should be shown the location and correct operation of every remote ventilation shut-off on board during safety familiarisation and fire drills, since operating the wrong control, or hesitating to find the right one, can allow a fire to spread further before ventilation is finally cut off. Clear, consistent labelling like this machinery vent shutoff sign removes that hesitation.

Consistent signage also matters during a routine walk-through inspection, since a control point without a clear label can slow down an auditor trying to confirm the vessel’s fire control plan matches what is actually fitted on board. Fitting this machinery vent shutoff sign at every control serving machinery spaces keeps the fire control plan easy to verify against the equipment in place.

Remote shut-off controls should be tested regularly as part of the vessel’s routine fire safety equipment checks, since a control that fails to operate during an actual emergency defeats its purpose. Marking each control clearly with this machinery vent shutoff sign also makes it easier for the crew member responsible for testing to locate every control on board without needing to consult a separate equipment list.

Technical specifications:
SKU: FS0087
IMPA: 33.6779
ISSA: 47.567.79
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 shut-off 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.

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