Secure Painter to Strong Point Before Launching Sign

Secure Painter to Strong Point Before Launching Sign (MS0081)

The painter line is a critical safety connection between a lifeboat or liferaft and the vessel during launching, and failing to secure it to a proper strong point before the craft is lowered can result in the boat drifting away, capsizing, or being lost entirely at the moment it is needed most. The Secure Painter to Strong Point Before Launching sign (MS0081) is a photoluminescent ISO 7010 mandatory-action marking posted at lifeboat and liferaft launching stations as a critical pre-launch reminder. Manufactured to a maritime-grade photoluminescent specification, the sign remains legible during a blackout or power failure, exactly when an emergency launch is most likely to occur.

Under SOLAS, lifeboat and liferaft launching procedures must be understood and followed correctly by the crew responsible for davit operation, and the ISM Code requires this critical step to be clearly communicated as part of the vessel’s emergency preparedness. Posting the Secure Painter to Strong Point Before Launching sign at the launching station reinforces this essential step immediately before davit operation begins, supporting safe launching practice during both drills and genuine emergencies.

Why Face Protection Matters

An improperly secured or entirely unsecured painter line can allow a lifeboat or liferaft to drift away from the vessel immediately after entering the water, separating survival craft from the ship before evacuation is complete, or causing the craft to swing dangerously during lowering. Because this step must be completed correctly every single time a launch occurs, whether during a drill or a genuine emergency, a permanent visual reminder at the launching station helps ensure it is never omitted under the pressure and urgency of an actual abandon ship situation.

Compliance and Certification

This sign is produced to the ISO 7010 international graphical symbol standard, using the recognised blue circular mandatory-action pictogram paired with the full instruction text for maximum clarity during a launching operation. SOLAS sets out detailed requirements for lifeboat and liferaft launching arrangements and crew training, and the ISM Code requires critical procedural steps like this one to be reinforced through visible signage as part of the vessel’s safety management system. For the complete international regulatory framework, see the IMO’s SOLAS overview at imo.org. Displaying the Secure Painter to Strong Point Before Launching sign supports drill compliance and a positive outcome at lifesaving appliance survey.

Installation Recommendations

Mount the sign at eye level directly at the lifeboat or liferaft launching station, positioned so it is seen by the crew member operating the davit before the launching sequence begins. Charge the photoluminescent surface under normal lighting for the recommended period so it performs correctly during a night-time or power-failure emergency, and secure the sign with corrosion-resistant fasteners suited to exposed weather deck conditions. Record the sign’s position on the vessel’s lifesaving appliance maintenance schedule for inspection during routine drills and surveys.

• Photoluminescent, ISO 7010-compliant mandatory-action design for reliable low-light and emergency visibility
• Durable, weather-resistant construction suited to exposed lifeboat and liferaft launching stations
• Reinforces a critical pre-launch safety step at exactly the point it must be performed
• Supports SOLAS lifesaving appliance procedure and ISM Code communication requirements
• Simple surface-mount installation at davit stations and launching platforms

Reinforce safe lifeboat and liferaft launching practice with the Secure Painter to Strong Point Before Launching sign (MS0081) – order today to mark every davit station on your vessel clearly.

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