ISO 7010 Marine & Water Emergency Symbols: Meanings and Uses

The E031 symbol should be displayed at or close to manual general alarm buttons positioned around a vessel, including accommodation areas, decks and other locations where crew members may need to raise the alarm. Clear identification is particularly important because the alarm control itself may not be immediately obvious to someone unfamiliar with the ship.

Using the E031 symbol helps ensure crew can locate the general alarm control quickly during situations such as fire, flooding, collision, grounding or other serious onboard emergencies. Rapid activation of the alarm allows people on board to be alerted and can trigger established emergency, evacuation or muster procedures without unnecessary delay.

Because ISO notes that comprehension-test data for E031 are not available, supplementary text should be used to improve understanding unless the symbol’s meaning is already established through manuals, instructions or training. This makes clear labelling and crew familiarisation especially important when E031 is used as part of a vessel’s emergency-signage system.

The E032 symbol should be displayed at designated shipboard assembly stations and, where necessary, along routes leading towards them. It is commonly used on passenger vessels, commercial ships and other maritime environments where emergency procedures require people to gather at predetermined locations. Clear identification helps reduce confusion and makes it easier for occupants to find the correct muster area when an alarm is raised.

Using the E032 symbol supports organised emergency response by directing crew and passengers to locations where instructions can be given, attendance can be checked and preparations can be made for evacuation or boarding survival craft if required. This is especially important on larger vessels, where unfamiliar passengers may not know the layout of the ship or the location of their assigned assembly station.

ISO notes that comprehension-test data for E032 are not available, so supplementary text should be used to improve understanding unless the meaning of the symbol is already established through manuals, instructions or training. This makes clear placement, supporting signage and effective emergency familiarisation particularly important when E032 forms part of a vessel’s safety-sign system.

The E035 symbol should be displayed at or close to the designated liferaft knife, particularly on vessels where liferafts form part of the ship’s emergency and life-saving equipment. Clear identification helps ensure the knife can be found quickly even by people who may be unfamiliar with the vessel or operating under stressful emergency conditions.

Using the E035 symbol supports safe liferaft deployment and emergency response by making the cutting equipment easier to locate when ropes, painter lines or other connections need to be released. In an abandonment situation, delays in finding the correct tool could hinder the safe use of the liferaft or make it more difficult to separate the craft from the vessel when required.

The symbol is especially useful where several items of emergency equipment are grouped together, as it allows the liferaft knife to be distinguished from other tools or fittings at a glance. It should be positioned so that it remains visible and unobstructed, with the knife maintained in its designated location and incorporated into the vessel’s wider emergency equipment inspection and familiarisation procedures.

The E036 symbol should be displayed at or close to lifeboat stations, embarkation areas and other locations where lifeboats are installed or accessed. It is particularly relevant on passenger ships, commercial vessels, offshore installations and other marine environments where lifeboats form part of the emergency life-saving arrangements.

Using the E036 symbol helps support an organised evacuation by making lifeboat locations easier to identify during an emergency. This is especially important where passengers may be unfamiliar with the vessel, visibility may be reduced or several different types of life-saving equipment are positioned close together.

The symbol should remain clearly visible, unobstructed and positioned so that people approaching the lifeboat station can recognise it quickly. It should form part of the vessel’s wider emergency-signage system and be supported by suitable muster, evacuation and crew familiarisation procedures so that occupants understand how and when the lifeboat is intended to be used.

The E037 symbol should be displayed at or close to the rescue boat station, launching position or access point on vessels equipped with a dedicated rescue craft. It is particularly relevant on passenger ships, commercial vessels, offshore installations and other marine environments where rapid recovery from the water may be necessary.

Using the E037 symbol helps reduce delay during man-overboard incidents and other emergencies by making the rescue boat location immediately identifiable. Clear marking is especially important on larger vessels where several types of survival craft and emergency equipment may be positioned in different areas.

The symbol should remain clearly visible and unobstructed and should form part of the vessel’s wider emergency-signage and lifesaving-equipment system. Its use should be supported by crew training, regular drills and maintenance procedures so that the rescue boat can be located, prepared and launched quickly when required.

The E038 symbol should be displayed at or close to liferaft storage positions, launching areas or access points on vessels equipped with liferafts. It is particularly relevant on passenger ships, commercial vessels, offshore installations and other marine environments where liferafts form part of the emergency life-saving arrangements.

Using the E038 symbol helps reduce confusion and delay during an emergency by clearly distinguishing liferafts from lifeboats, rescue boats and other survival equipment. This can be especially important on larger vessels where several types of life-saving appliances are installed in different locations.

The symbol should remain clearly visible, unobstructed and positioned so that people approaching the liferaft station can identify it quickly. It should form part of the vessel’s wider emergency-signage system and be supported by appropriate evacuation procedures, equipment maintenance and crew familiarisation so that the liferaft can be accessed and deployed effectively when required.

The E039 symbol should be displayed at or close to davit-launched liferaft stations, embarkation points and associated launching equipment on vessels fitted with this type of survival craft. It is especially relevant on passenger ships, commercial vessels and offshore installations where liferafts are deployed using dedicated davits rather than being launched manually.

Using the E039 symbol helps reduce confusion during an emergency by clearly identifying the correct liferaft and launch method. This is particularly important where several types of survival craft are installed on the same vessel, as passengers and crew need to recognise the appropriate equipment quickly and follow the correct abandonment procedure.

The symbol should remain clearly visible and unobstructed and should form part of the vessel’s wider emergency-signage system. Its use should be supported by crew training, drills, maintenance and clear embarkation procedures so that the davit-launched liferaft can be prepared, boarded and deployed safely when required.

The E040 symbol should be displayed at or close to lifebuoys positioned on ships, docks, piers, quays, marinas and other waterside locations where there is a risk of someone falling into the water. Clear identification helps ensure the equipment can be found and used quickly during an emergency.

Using the E040 symbol supports rapid response to person-overboard and water-rescue incidents by making the location of the lifebuoy immediately recognisable. This is particularly important in busy or unfamiliar environments where rescue equipment might otherwise be overlooked or confused with other emergency equipment.

The symbol should remain clearly visible, unobstructed and positioned so that the lifebuoy can be accessed without delay. It should form part of the wider water-safety and emergency-signage system, with the equipment regularly inspected and maintained so that it is ready for immediate use when required.

The E041 symbol should be displayed at or close to lifebuoys equipped with rescue lines on ships, docks, piers, quays, marinas and other waterside locations where there is a risk of someone falling into the water. Clear identification is important so that the correct type of rescue equipment can be located quickly during an emergency.

Using the E041 symbol supports a more controlled water-rescue response because the attached line allows the rescuer to maintain contact with the lifebuoy after it has been thrown. This can help prevent the equipment drifting away and may assist in bringing the casualty closer to a vessel, quay, bank or other safe access point.

The symbol should remain clearly visible, unobstructed and positioned so that the lifebuoy and line can be accessed without delay. The equipment should be regularly inspected to ensure the buoy and rescue line remain in good condition, correctly stored and ready for immediate use as part of the wider marine or waterside emergency-safety arrangements.

The E042 symbol should be displayed at or close to lifebuoys equipped with lights on ships, offshore installations, docks, piers, quays and other marine locations where people may fall into the water. It is especially useful in areas that operate during hours of darkness or where reduced visibility could make rescue equipment difficult to locate quickly.

Using the E042 symbol helps distinguish this type of lifebuoy from standard lifebuoys and other water-rescue equipment. The light can improve visibility after the lifebuoy has been deployed, helping rescuers identify the approximate position of the casualty and maintain visual contact with the rescue equipment during a person-overboard response.

The symbol should remain clearly visible and unobstructed, with the lifebuoy and light positioned so they can be accessed without delay. The equipment should be routinely inspected to confirm that the buoy, light and any associated fittings are serviceable and ready for immediate use as part of the vessel’s or site’s wider emergency and water-safety arrangements.

The E043 symbol should be displayed at or close to lifebuoys fitted with both a rescue line and light on ships, offshore installations, docks, piers, quays and other waterside locations. It is especially appropriate where rescue operations may take place at night, in poor visibility or in areas where maintaining control of the deployed lifebuoy is important.

Using the E043 symbol helps distinguish this combined rescue arrangement from standard lifebuoys, lifebuoys with only a line, or those fitted only with a light. The line can help maintain contact with the equipment and assist recovery, while the light improves visibility of the lifebuoy and casualty area after deployment.

The symbol should remain clearly visible and unobstructed, with the lifebuoy, line and light positioned for rapid access. The complete assembly should be routinely inspected to ensure the flotation device, rescue line, light and associated fittings remain serviceable and ready for immediate use as part of the vessel’s or site’s wider marine and water-emergency arrangements.

The E044 symbol should be displayed at or close to lifejacket storage locations on ships, ferries, offshore installations and other marine environments where personal flotation devices form part of the emergency life-saving arrangements. It may also be used near muster stations, cabins, embarkation areas or other locations where lifejackets are issued or stored.

Using the E044 symbol helps people identify the correct flotation equipment quickly, particularly where passengers may be unfamiliar with the vessel or where several different types of emergency equipment are located nearby. Clear marking supports faster preparation for evacuation and helps reduce confusion during incidents involving flooding, fire, collision or abandonment.

The symbol should remain clearly visible and unobstructed, with the lifejackets stored so they can be accessed easily when required. The equipment should be regularly inspected and maintained, and its location should form part of the vessel’s wider emergency-signage, muster and passenger-familiarisation arrangements.

The E045 symbol should be displayed at or close to storage locations where child lifejackets are kept on ships, ferries, passenger vessels, offshore installations and other marine environments. It may also be used near family accommodation areas, muster stations, embarkation points or other locations where children may need to be issued with correctly sized flotation equipment.

Using the E045 symbol helps reduce the risk of children being given unsuitable adult lifejackets during an emergency. Correct sizing is important because lifejackets are designed to provide appropriate buoyancy and support for the intended wearer, and equipment that is too large may not perform as intended.

The symbol should remain clearly visible and unobstructed, with child lifejackets stored separately or clearly differentiated from other flotation equipment where appropriate. The equipment should be routinely inspected and maintained, and its location should be included within the vessel’s wider emergency, muster and passenger-familiarisation arrangements.

The E046 symbol should be displayed at or close to storage locations where infant lifejackets are kept on ships, ferries, passenger vessels and other marine environments. It may also be used near family accommodation areas, muster stations or embarkation points where infants may need to be issued with appropriately sized flotation equipment.

Using the E046 symbol helps reduce the risk of an infant being given an unsuitable larger lifejacket during an emergency. Correct sizing and design are particularly important for infants because flotation equipment must provide appropriate buoyancy and support for a much smaller wearer and should be suitable for the intended conditions of use.

The symbol should remain clearly visible and unobstructed, with infant lifejackets stored so they can be accessed quickly when required. The equipment should be regularly inspected and maintained, and its location should form part of the vessel’s wider muster, evacuation and passenger-familiarisation arrangements.

The E047 symbol should be displayed at or close to the storage position of a SART on ships, ferries, offshore installations and other vessels carrying this type of emergency equipment. It may also be used near lifeboat or liferaft stations where the device is intended to be taken during abandonment.

Using the E047 symbol helps ensure the transponder can be located rapidly when a vessel is being evacuated or when search-and-rescue assistance is required. Once activated, the equipment is designed to help nearby search vessels or aircraft identify the position of the survival craft, improving the chances of a faster rescue response.

The symbol should remain clearly visible and unobstructed, with the SART stored in its designated position and maintained in serviceable condition. Its location and use should form part of the vessel’s wider emergency procedures, equipment inspections and crew familiarisation so that the device can be deployed correctly when needed.

The E048 symbol should be displayed at or close to the storage location of survival craft distress signals on ships, ferries, offshore installations and other vessels carrying this type of emergency equipment. It may also be used within lifeboats, liferafts or near embarkation stations where signalling equipment is stored for use following abandonment.

Using the E048 symbol helps ensure distress signals can be found rapidly when communication or visual identification of a survival craft is critical. Such equipment may be used to draw attention to the location of survivors and support search-and-rescue operations, particularly where normal vessel communication systems are unavailable or the survival craft has become separated from the ship.

The symbol should remain clearly visible and unobstructed, with the distress signalling equipment stored securely and maintained in accordance with the vessel’s emergency procedures and applicable requirements. Crew members should be familiar with the location and correct use of the equipment so that it can be deployed safely and effectively when required.

The E049 symbol should be displayed at or close to the storage location of rocket parachute flares on ships, ferries, offshore installations and other vessels carrying this type of emergency signalling equipment. It may also be used within lifeboats, liferafts or near survival-craft stations where the flares are stored for use following abandonment.

Using the E049 symbol helps ensure rocket parachute flares can be located quickly when rapid visual signalling is required. Their elevated and bright signal can be particularly valuable over long distances or where other methods of communication are unavailable, making them an important part of emergency distress and search-and-rescue procedures.

The symbol should remain clearly visible and unobstructed, with the flares stored securely and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, the vessel’s emergency procedures and applicable maritime requirements. Crew members should be familiar with their location and safe method of use, as pyrotechnic distress signals must be handled and deployed correctly to avoid injury or accidental ignition.

The E050 symbol should be displayed at or close to the storage location of line-throwing appliances on ships, ferries, offshore installations and other marine environments where this type of emergency equipment is provided. It may also be used near rescue stations, embarkation areas or other locations where the appliance needs to be accessed quickly during an incident.

Using the E050 symbol helps ensure the equipment can be identified and located rapidly when a line needs to be established across water or between separated positions. This can support rescue, towing, evacuation or emergency-transfer procedures, particularly where people or vessels cannot be approached safely or immediately.

The symbol should remain clearly visible and unobstructed, with the line-throwing appliance stored securely and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, the vessel’s emergency procedures and applicable maritime requirements. Crew members should be familiar with its location and correct use so that it can be deployed safely and effectively when required.

The E051 symbol should be displayed at or close to the storage location of two-way VHF radiotelephone equipment on ships, ferries, offshore installations and other vessels where this type of emergency communication equipment is provided. It may also be used near lifeboat, liferaft or muster stations where portable radios are stored for use during abandonment or rescue procedures.

Using the E051 symbol helps ensure the radio equipment can be identified and located quickly when normal onboard communication systems are unavailable or when people have transferred to survival craft. Reliable two-way communication can help crews report their position, receive instructions and coordinate with nearby vessels or search-and-rescue services.

The symbol should remain clearly visible and unobstructed, with the radiotelephone equipment stored securely and maintained in a serviceable condition. Crew members should be familiar with its location, operation and emergency use so that communication can be established promptly and effectively when required.

The E052 symbol should be displayed at or close to the storage or mounting location of an EPIRB on ships, ferries, offshore installations and other vessels equipped with this type of emergency locating equipment. It may also be used near survival-craft or emergency-equipment stations where a portable beacon is intended to be taken during evacuation.

Using the E052 symbol helps ensure the EPIRB can be identified and located quickly during a serious marine emergency. Rapid activation can assist search-and-rescue organisations in detecting the distress signal and establishing the approximate position of the vessel or survivors, helping reduce delays in locating people in difficulty at sea.

The symbol should remain clearly visible and unobstructed, with the EPIRB stored or mounted in its designated position and maintained in a serviceable condition. Crew members should be familiar with its location and correct activation procedures, and the equipment should be inspected and tested in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, vessel procedures and applicable maritime requirements.

The E053 symbol should be displayed at or close to embarkation ladders on ships, ferries, offshore installations and other vessels where this type of emergency access equipment is provided. It may also be used near survival-craft stations or evacuation points where people may need to descend from the vessel to a lifeboat, liferaft or rescue craft.

Using the E053 symbol helps reduce confusion during abandonment or evacuation procedures by clearly identifying the ladder intended for emergency embarkation. This is especially important on larger vessels where several ladders, access routes or items of emergency equipment may be located close together.

The symbol should remain clearly visible and unobstructed, with the embarkation ladder maintained in a serviceable condition and ready for immediate use. Its location and use should form part of the vessel’s wider emergency, evacuation and crew-familiarisation procedures so that passengers and crew can reach survival craft safely when required.

The E054 symbol should be displayed at or close to marine evacuation slide stations on passenger ships, ferries and other vessels equipped with this type of evacuation system. It may also be used near muster or embarkation areas where people are directed before using the slide during an emergency.

Using the E054 symbol helps reduce confusion and delay during evacuation by clearly identifying the equipment intended for rapid descent from the vessel. This is particularly important on large passenger vessels where several evacuation routes and different types of life-saving equipment may be available.

The symbol should remain clearly visible and unobstructed, with the evacuation slide maintained in a serviceable condition and incorporated into the vessel’s emergency procedures, drills and passenger-familiarisation arrangements. Clear identification helps ensure the system can be located and used efficiently when rapid evacuation is required.

The E055 symbol should be displayed at or close to marine evacuation chute stations on passenger ships, ferries and other vessels fitted with this type of emergency evacuation equipment. It may also be used near muster, embarkation or evacuation areas where people are directed before entering the chute.

Using the E055 symbol helps reduce confusion and delay by clearly identifying the correct evacuation equipment during a serious incident. This is particularly important on larger vessels where several escape routes and different types of life-saving systems may be available and passengers may be unfamiliar with the vessel’s layout.

The symbol should remain clearly visible and unobstructed, with the marine evacuation chute maintained in a serviceable condition and incorporated into the vessel’s emergency procedures, drills and passenger-familiarisation arrangements. Clear identification helps ensure the system can be located and used efficiently when rapid evacuation is required.

The E056 symbol should be displayed at or close to storage locations for survival clothing on ships, ferries, offshore installations and other marine environments where this type of protective equipment is provided. It may also be used near muster stations, survival-craft areas or emergency equipment stores where the clothing is intended to be issued before evacuation.

Using the E056 symbol helps people identify the correct protective garments quickly, particularly in situations where prolonged exposure to cold water, wind, rain or low temperatures could increase the risk of hypothermia. Clear identification is especially important where several types of emergency clothing or life-saving equipment are stored together.

The symbol should remain clearly visible and unobstructed, with the survival clothing stored in a dry, accessible and serviceable condition. The equipment should be regularly inspected and incorporated into the vessel’s wider emergency, evacuation and crew-familiarisation procedures so that it can be issued and used effectively when required.

The E061 symbol should be displayed at or close to water life-saving equipment on ships, docks, harbours, marinas, piers, swimming facilities, reservoirs and other locations where there is a risk of someone falling or entering the water unexpectedly. It can be particularly useful where several different types of rescue equipment are grouped together or where a general indication of water-rescue provision is required.

Using the E061 symbol helps reduce delays during a water emergency by making rescue equipment easier to identify, especially for people who may be unfamiliar with the site. Clear marking can support a faster response to incidents involving drowning risk, person-overboard situations or other emergencies where immediate access to life-saving equipment may be critical.

The symbol should remain clearly visible and unobstructed, with the associated rescue equipment positioned so that it can be accessed quickly when required. Equipment should be regularly inspected and maintained, and the sign should form part of the wider marine, waterside or aquatic emergency-safety arrangements for the location.

The E062 symbol should be displayed at designated tsunami evacuation areas and at appropriate points along evacuation routes leading towards them. It is particularly relevant in coastal communities, harbours, ports, beaches, resorts and other locations where people may be exposed to tsunami hazards and need clear guidance towards safer ground or recognised evacuation areas.

Using the E062 symbol helps reduce confusion during an emergency by providing a consistent visual indication of where people should gather or move to reach greater safety. This can be especially important for visitors or members of the public who may be unfamiliar with local evacuation arrangements and need to identify the appropriate destination quickly after a tsunami warning is issued.

The symbol should remain clearly visible and positioned where it can be recognised from evacuation routes and surrounding areas. It should form part of a wider tsunami preparedness system that may include directional signage, evacuation maps, public information and emergency procedures, helping communities move efficiently towards designated safe areas when required.

The E063 symbol should be displayed on or near buildings that have been formally designated for tsunami evacuation. It is particularly relevant in coastal communities, ports, harbours, resorts and densely developed shoreline areas where evacuation routes to natural high ground may be limited or where people may need to move quickly into a suitable structure.

Using the E063 symbol helps residents, workers and visitors identify an appropriate evacuation destination during a tsunami warning. This can reduce uncertainty in fast-moving emergencies, especially for people who are unfamiliar with the local area or who may not know which buildings have been assessed and designated for emergency refuge.

The symbol should remain clearly visible and should form part of a wider tsunami evacuation system that may include route signs, maps, public information and emergency procedures. The building itself should only be identified in this way where it has been designated by the relevant authority or emergency-planning organisation for tsunami evacuation use.

The E068 symbol should be displayed at or close to lifebuoys fitted with light and smoke signalling equipment on ships, offshore installations and other marine locations where this type of lifesaving arrangement is provided. It is especially relevant where a person-overboard response may need to be carried out at night, in reduced visibility or in open-water conditions where locating the casualty quickly can be difficult.

Using the E068 symbol helps distinguish this equipment from standard lifebuoys and from lifebuoys fitted only with a line or light. The combined light and smoke signals can make the deployed buoy easier to identify from the vessel and by rescue teams, helping mark the approximate position of a person in the water and support a faster emergency response.

The symbol should remain clearly visible and unobstructed, with the lifebuoy, light and smoke signalling equipment maintained in a serviceable condition and ready for immediate use. ISO notes that comprehension-test data for E068 are not available, so supplementary text should be used to improve understanding unless the symbol’s meaning is already established through manuals, instructions or training.

The E069 symbol should be displayed at or close to designated person-overboard call points on ships, ferries, offshore installations and other marine environments where a dedicated alarm or reporting control is provided. It is particularly useful on decks and other areas where there is a risk of someone falling into the water and immediate notification of the incident is essential.

Using the E069 symbol helps ensure that a person-overboard incident can be reported rapidly, allowing the bridge, crew or emergency response team to begin the appropriate rescue procedures. Fast activation can support actions such as marking the casualty’s position, alerting nearby personnel, deploying rescue equipment and preparing rescue boats or other recovery arrangements.

The symbol should remain clearly visible, unobstructed and positioned so that the call point can be accessed quickly in an emergency. Its use should form part of the vessel’s wider person-overboard procedures, crew training and emergency drills so that users understand when and how the alarm control should be activated.

This symbol is particularly suitable for swimming pools, beaches, water parks, lakes and other supervised aquatic environments. It can be displayed at lifeguard chairs, observation points, patrol stations or other clearly designated positions where lifeguards are normally stationed.

Being able to locate a lifeguard quickly can be especially important during incidents involving drowning, injury or a person experiencing difficulty in the water. The E075 symbol provides a clear visual reference that helps people identify where immediate assistance or further emergency support may be available.

Using the E075 Lifeguard symbol provides a standardised way of identifying lifeguard locations within aquatic and recreational environments. It can improve emergency wayfinding, support water-safety arrangements and help visitors recognise where trained supervision and assistance can be found.

This symbol is primarily used in marine environments, including ships, offshore installations and other vessels equipped with lifeboats, fully enclosed rescue boats or rigid liferafts. It should be positioned where crew members can clearly see the instruction while preparing the craft for launching.

Correctly closing and securing hatches is an important stage of the launch sequence because an unsecured opening can compromise the protection provided by the craft. The M037 symbol gives crew members a clear visual reminder to complete this action at the appropriate point before the craft enters the water or leaves the vessel.

Using the M037 symbol supports consistent emergency launch procedures and helps crews follow the required sequence under pressure. It can reduce the risk of water ingress, exposure to hazardous conditions and loss of the protected atmosphere within the craft, while making an important marine safety instruction easier to recognise quickly.

This symbol is mainly used on ships, offshore installations and other marine environments where lifeboats or rescue boats form part of the emergency evacuation arrangements. It should be positioned where crew members can see the instruction while preparing the craft for launch.

The M038 symbol is useful because the timing of engine start-up can affect the safe and orderly deployment of the survival craft. Starting too late could leave the boat without propulsion when required, while starting too early could interfere with the correct launch procedure.

Using the M038 symbol helps reinforce a standardised sequence of actions during lifeboat or rescue-boat launching. It supports crew training, reduces the chance of procedural errors and provides a clear visual reminder of when the engine should be started during an emergency launch.

This symbol is primarily used at lifeboat launching stations on ships, offshore installations and other marine environments where lifeboats form part of the emergency evacuation arrangements. It should be positioned where crew members can see it clearly while carrying out the launch procedure.

The M039 symbol is useful because lowering the lifeboat at the wrong time can disrupt the launch sequence and create additional risk for those involved. By providing a clear visual instruction, it helps trained personnel follow the correct order of actions and recognise when the craft should be lowered into the water.

Using the M039 symbol supports consistent lifeboat launching procedures and helps reduce the likelihood of mistakes during a high-pressure emergency. It also works effectively as part of a sequence of ISO 7010 marine mandatory signs covering other launch actions, such as starting the engine, releasing falls and securing hatches.

This symbol is intended mainly for ships, offshore installations and other marine environments where liferafts are launched using dedicated lowering equipment. It should be displayed at or near the relevant launching station where crew members can clearly see the instruction while preparing the liferaft for deployment.

Following the correct launch sequence is important because lowering the liferaft too early or too late can interfere with other essential preparation steps. The M040 symbol provides trained personnel with a clear visual prompt, helping them recognise when the raft should be lowered towards the water during an emergency launch.

Using the M040 symbol alongside other ISO 7010 launch-sequence signs creates a consistent set of instructions for deploying survival craft. It can help reduce procedural errors, support crew training and make the required actions easier to follow when rapid and coordinated evacuation is necessary.

This symbol is primarily used at rescue boat stations on ships, offshore installations and other marine facilities where dedicated rescue boats are provided. It should be positioned where crew members involved in launching the craft can clearly see the instruction while carrying out the deployment procedure.

Correct timing is important because lowering the rescue boat too early or too late can disrupt the launch process and affect the readiness of the craft. The M041 symbol gives trained personnel a clear visual reminder that the boat should be lowered only at the appropriate stage of the established launch sequence.

Using the M041 symbol helps standardise rescue boat launching procedures and supports faster, more organised action during an emergency. When used alongside the other ISO 7010 launch-sequence symbols, it can reduce procedural mistakes and make the required sequence easier for crew members to recognise and follow.

This symbol is primarily found at lifeboat and rescue-boat launching stations on ships, offshore installations and other marine environments. It should be positioned where crew members involved in the launch can clearly see the instruction while operating the lowering and release equipment.

Releasing the falls at the correct moment is essential because doing so too early or too late can interfere with the safe deployment of the craft. The M042 symbol gives trained personnel a clear visual reminder of this important step and helps them follow the established launch procedure in the correct order.

Using the M042 symbol alongside the other ISO 7010 launch-sequence signs creates a consistent set of visual instructions for emergency deployment. It can help reduce procedural errors, support crew training and make critical actions easier to recognise and follow during a high-pressure evacuation or rescue situation.

This symbol is used mainly on ships, offshore installations and other marine environments where lifeboats are fitted with water spray protection systems. It should be displayed at the relevant control point or launch station so crew members can identify the action clearly while following the emergency launch procedure.

The M043 symbol is particularly important when the lifeboat may need to pass through burning fuel, intense heat or contaminated water during evacuation. Activating the spray system at the correct time helps protect the external surfaces of the craft and supports safer movement away from the vessel.

Using the M043 symbol as part of the wider launch-sequence signage helps crew carry out emergency procedures in the correct order. It reinforces training, reduces the chance of a critical step being missed and provides a consistent visual instruction during a high-pressure marine evacuation.

This symbol is mainly used on ships, offshore installations and other marine environments equipped with lifeboats or similar survival craft that incorporate an independent air supply system. It should be positioned near the relevant control or launch station so crew members can identify the instruction as part of the launch sequence.

The M044 symbol is particularly important where the survival craft may need to operate in smoke, fire or another contaminated atmosphere. Starting the air supply at the correct time helps maintain safer conditions inside the craft and supports the protection of occupants while they move away from the vessel.

Using the M044 symbol alongside the other ISO 7010 launch-sequence signs helps create a clear, standardised set of emergency instructions. It supports crew training, reduces the risk of a critical step being overlooked and makes the required sequence easier to follow during a high-pressure marine evacuation.

This symbol is intended for lifeboat launching stations on ships, offshore installations and other marine environments where lifeboats are secured by gripes while not in use. It should be displayed where crew members can clearly see the instruction while preparing the craft for launch.

The M045 symbol is particularly important because releasing the gripes at the wrong time could interfere with the safe preparation or deployment of the lifeboat. A clear visual instruction helps trained crew recognise when the securing devices should be released as part of the established launch procedure.

Using the M045 symbol alongside other ISO 7010 launch-sequence signs helps create a consistent and easy-to-follow series of emergency instructions. It can reduce procedural errors, reinforce crew training and support a more controlled and organised lifeboat launch when rapid evacuation is required.

This symbol is particularly suitable for beaches, harbours, coastal roads, low-lying communities and other locations identified as being within a tsunami hazard zone. It should be positioned at access points or along routes where residents, workers and visitors need to be made aware that they are entering an area exposed to tsunami risk.

The W056 symbol is especially important because a tsunami may arrive after an earthquake or warning with limited time available for people to react. Clear signage helps users recognise the hazard zone and encourages them to follow evacuation routes towards designated tsunami evacuation areas, buildings or other places of safety.

Using the W056 Tsunami Hazard Zone symbol provides a standardised way of communicating tsunami risk across coastal environments. It can support public awareness, emergency planning and evacuation procedures while helping people recognise when they should leave vulnerable low-lying areas and move towards a safer location.

This symbol is suitable for riverside areas, floodplains, low-lying land, reservoirs, coastal access points, roads and other locations known to be vulnerable to flooding. It should be positioned before people enter the affected area so they are aware of the risk and can respond to local warnings or restrictions.

The W077 symbol is especially useful because flood conditions can develop quickly following heavy rainfall, storms, overflowing rivers or drainage failure. Clear warning signage helps residents, workers and visitors recognise that an area may become unsafe even when flooding is not immediately visible.

Using the W077 Flood Zone symbol provides a standardised way of identifying locations exposed to flood risk. It can improve public awareness, support emergency planning and help reinforce the need to leave the area promptly when flooding begins or evacuation instructions are issued.