Wear a Lifejacket Sign

Wear a Lifejacket Sign – ISO 7010 Mandatory Symbol MS0023

The Wear a Lifejacket sign is a mandatory action pictogram used at open deck areas, gangways, tender operations, and muster stations aboard ships to instruct crew and passengers to wear a lifejacket at all times in designated zones. Rendered in the internationally recognised ISO 7010 blue circle with a white photoluminescent pictogram of a lifejacket, this sign gives an unmistakable, language-independent instruction wherever the risk of falling overboard or capsize is present.

Onboard vessels, working on open decks during heavy weather, operating tenders and rescue boats, or transiting exposed gangways all carry a risk of falling overboard. A crew member or passenger who fails to wear a lifejacket in these designated zones significantly reduces their chance of survival in the event of an unplanned entry into the water. Positioning this sign at open deck access points, tender embarkation areas, and other high-risk zones reinforces this critical requirement before anyone proceeds.

Why Wearing a Lifejacket Matters

Falls overboard and man-in-water incidents can occur suddenly, and survival time in cold water without flotation support is often measured in minutes. Failing to wear a lifejacket in a designated high-risk zone removes a critical layer of protection precisely when it may be needed most urgently. A clearly displayed mandatory sign at every relevant location removes reliance on individual judgement alone and gives every crew member, passenger, and visitor an unmistakable, universally recognised reminder before entering the zone.

Compliance and Certification

This sign is manufactured to the ISO 7010 international graphical symbol standard, ensuring the pictogram is instantly recognisable to seafarers and passengers regardless of nationality or first language. Mandatory lifejacket signage of this kind supports compliance with the ISM Code’s requirements for documented safety procedures in high-risk deck areas, and complements the broader shipboard life-saving and safety regime established under SOLAS Chapter II-2. Fitting compliant, durable signage at every relevant deck and embarkation area helps demonstrate a proactive safety culture during flag state and port state control inspections.

Installation Recommendations

Mount the Wear a Lifejacket sign at open deck access points, exposed gangways, tender and rescue boat embarkation areas, and muster stations throughout the vessel. Fix the sign at eye level using stainless steel screws, rivets, or a suitable marine-grade adhesive so it withstands vibration, humidity, and saltwater exposure. In exterior and low-light areas, choose the photoluminescent variant so the pictogram remains visible if primary lighting fails, and inspect signage periodically as part of routine safety rounds to confirm it stays legible and securely fixed.

• Manufactured to ISO 7010 mandatory pictogram standard (blue circle, photoluminescent symbol)
• Rigid or self-adhesive 425 x 425mm panel to suit bulkhead or equipment mounting
• UV-stable and saltwater-resistant construction for reliable long-term marine performance
• Photoluminescent charge provides visibility during power loss or low-light conditions
• Multiple fixing options available including screw-fix, rivet, and adhesive backing

Order the Wear a Lifejacket Sign (SKU: MS0023) today to reinforce critical man-overboard prevention practice across your vessel’s exposed deck and embarkation areas.

For related shipboard safety requirements, browse our Hazard Signs and Fire Fighting Signs categories to complete your vessel’s compliant signage package.