Release Lifeboat Gripes Sign

Release Lifeboat Gripes Sign – MS0036

The Release Lifeboat Gripes Sign marks the securing gripes and pelican-hook release mechanism that hold a lifeboat firmly in its cradle while the vessel is underway. This ISO 7010 mandatory-action pictogram instructs crew to release these restraining straps before the lifeboat can be swung out and lowered, an essential first step in any launch sequence, whether during a genuine abandon-ship emergency or a routine SOLAS lifeboat drill.

Manufactured from durable photoluminescent material, MS0036 continues to glow after the ship’s power supply fails, keeping the release instruction legible during a blackout, heavy smoke, or a night-time evacuation. Its blue circular field and white pictogram conform to the internationally recognised ISO 7010 mandatory-sign format, ensuring multinational crews understand the instruction instantly regardless of spoken language, in line with the IMO’s harmonised shipboard signage requirements.

Why the Release Lifeboat Gripes Instruction Matters

A lifeboat that is still secured by its gripes cannot swing out or lower safely, and forcing a launch without releasing them first can damage the davit gear or delay an evacuation at a critical moment. A clear, standardised instruction at the gripe-release point ensures crew perform this step first, every time, reducing hesitation and error during a high-stress launch. Consistent placement of MS0036 across sister vessels also shortens the learning curve for crew transferring between ships in a fleet.

Compliance and Certification

MS0036 is produced to align with the ISO 7010 graphical symbol standard and supports compliance with the vessel’s Safety Management System under the ISM Code. Lifeboat securing and launching arrangements, including gripe-release signage, are addressed within SOLAS Chapter III requirements for life-saving appliances. For the full regulatory text, see the IMO’s SOLAS convention overview. Keeping this signage current and legible supports a positive outcome at Port State Control and flag-state inspections.

Installation Recommendations

Install MS0036 directly at the gripe securing point or lifeboat cradle, positioned so the crew member preparing the boat for launch sees it before attempting to swing it out. Mount on a flat, stable surface using marine-grade adhesive or corrosion-resistant fasteners rated for continuous salt-spray exposure. Keep the area clear of coiled lines, canvas covers, or structural members that could obscure the sign, and confirm visibility under emergency lighting conditions.

• Photoluminescent pictogram charges under ambient light and glows during power loss
• ISO 7010 mandatory-action blue circle format for instant multilingual recognition
• Rigid, UV-stable substrate engineered for continuous marine and weather exposure
• Compact format suited to lifeboat cradles, davit posts, and boat deck signage runs
• Supports ISM Code safety-management and SOLAS life-saving-appliance documentation

Equip every lifeboat station aboard your vessel with the MS0036 Release Lifeboat Gripes Sign, and keep launch preparation clear, compliant, and visible when it matters most.

Complete your vessel’s safety signage programme by pairing this sign with our Hazard Signs and Fire Fighting Signs ranges, ensuring full coverage across every shipboard risk area.