Man Overboard Procedure Sign

Man Overboard Procedure Sign (MS0076)

A person falling overboard is one of the most time-critical emergencies a vessel can face, and the first sixty seconds of response – throwing a lifebuoy, keeping the person in sight, and alerting the bridge – often determine the outcome. The Man Overboard Procedure sign (MS0076) is a photoluminescent ISO 7010 mandatory-action marking that sets out the four immediate response steps in clear, numbered order: throw lifebuoy, keep the person in sight, inform the bridge or officer of the watch, and state “man overboard” with the location. Manufactured to a maritime-grade photoluminescent specification, the sign remains legible during a blackout or power failure exactly when an emergency response is most likely to be needed.

Under SOLAS and the ISM Code, vessels must maintain effective emergency response procedures and ensure that critical actions are understood by every crew member, not only those who have completed formal drills recently. Posting the Man Overboard Procedure sign at weather deck rails, bridge wings, and other locations where a fall overboard could be witnessed ensures that any crew member, regardless of rank or role, can initiate the correct response immediately without hesitation.

Why Face Protection Matters

In a man overboard emergency, seconds matter, and panic or uncertainty about the correct sequence of actions can cost precious time. Having the four-step response – throw lifebuoy, keep in sight, inform the bridge, state man overboard and location – permanently displayed at key locations removes any doubt about what to do first, second, and third. This is especially valuable for less experienced crew, contractors, or passengers who may never have rehearsed the emergency procedure but could be the first witness to an incident.

Compliance and Certification

This sign is produced to the ISO 7010 international graphical symbol standard, using the recognised blue mandatory-action colour scheme with the exclamation pictogram, paired with the full numbered procedure text for maximum clarity in an emergency. SOLAS requires vessels to have documented emergency procedures for man overboard situations, and the ISM Code requires these procedures to be communicated effectively to all persons aboard, not filed away in a manual that is only consulted after the fact. For the complete international regulatory framework, see the IMO’s SOLAS overview at imo.org. Displaying the Man Overboard Procedure sign supports drill compliance and a positive outcome at flag-state and port state inspection.

Installation Recommendations

Mount the sign at weather deck rails, bridge wings, and other locations with a risk of falling overboard, positioning it where it is visible to anyone standing at the rail. Charge the photoluminescent surface under normal lighting for the recommended period so it performs correctly at night or during a power failure, when the risk of a fall overboard can be highest. Secure the sign with corrosion-resistant fasteners suited to exposed weather deck conditions, and include its location on the vessel’s safety plan for inspection during routine safety rounds.

• Photoluminescent, ISO 7010-compliant mandatory-action design for reliable low-light and night visibility
• Durable, weather-resistant construction suited to exposed deck rails and bridge wings
• Sets out the full four-step man overboard response in clear numbered order
• Supports SOLAS emergency procedure and ISM Code communication requirements
• Simple surface-mount installation at deck rails and other overboard-risk locations

Equip every weather deck and bridge wing with the Man Overboard Procedure sign (MS0076) – order today to ensure every crew member knows the critical first steps in an emergency.

For additional onboard risk areas, browse our range of Hazard Signs and Fire Fighting Signs to complete your vessel’s mandatory safety signage compliance.