Guidance on Safety, Accessibility, and Compliance at Sea
When it comes to marine signage, it’s not just about aesthetics—it’s about safety, compliance, and ensuring a seamless experience for passengers and crew. At Lenco, we’ve spent over 30 years perfecting our craft in marine environments, designing signage that is not only visually aligned with vessel interiors but also fully compliant with maritime regulations.
If you’re planning signage for a cruise ship, ferry, or commercial vessel, understanding the regulatory requirements is essential. Here’s a breakdown of the key areas that matter most.
1. SOLAS Requirements: Safety of Life at Sea
The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) SOLAS convention outlines global safety standards for marine vessels. Signage plays a vital role in this.
Key Requirements:
- Photoluminescent (glow-in-the-dark) signs must be used to indicate escape routes, emergency exits, and life-saving equipment.
- Signs must be clearly visible in both normal and low-light conditions.
- Emergency and safety signage must be universally understood—including use of symbols compliant with ISO 7010 standards.
Lenco uses high-grade photoluminescent materials and adheres strictly to SOLAS signage specifications on every marine project.
2. Accessibility: Meeting All Needs at Sea
Accessibility isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a legal and ethical requirement. Cruise lines and marine operators must ensure that all passengers, regardless of ability, can safely navigate onboard.
Compliance Essentials:
- Tactile and Braille signage for visually impaired passengers.
- High-contrast lettering for readability.
- Logical placement of directional signage at wheelchair-friendly heights.
We work closely with clients to install signage that complies with accessibility standards, including the UK Equality Act and ADA guidelines where applicable.
3. Fire Safety & Evacuation Signage
Fire safety signage is tightly regulated at sea. It must be instantly recognisable and strategically placed to prevent confusion in emergencies.
Must-Haves:
- Fire door signs, extinguisher markers, and hazard labels in durable, heat-resistant materials.
- Evacuation maps located in cabins, corridors, and muster stations.
- Consistent icons and multilingual messaging for international guests.
Lenco’s safety signage systems are designed to be robust, corrosion-resistant, and compliant with all maritime fire safety regulations.
4. Wayfinding That Works at Sea
On a large ship, effective wayfinding is critical. From arrival to embarkation, and from deck to dining room, signage should be clear, intuitive, and aligned with onboard branding.
Best Practices:
- Color-coded zones for ease of navigation.
- Deck maps and directional arrows placed near lifts and stairwells.
- Signage that complements the ship’s interior design while still standing out.
Our bespoke marine signage is designed with both aesthetics and function in mind—enhancing guest experience while ensuring clarity and compliance.
Why Lenco?
We’ve delivered signage solutions for some of the world’s most prestigious cruise lines—Princess Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, and more. Every sign we create is designed to endure the harsh marine environment while meeting the strictest regulatory standards.
Whether you’re fitting out a new vessel or refreshing your fleet, Lenco provides:
- Full design, manufacture, and installation service
- Experience with international compliance regulations
- A reputation for durability, elegance, and reliability
Let’s Talk
If you’re unsure about current marine signage regulations or want expert guidance on your next project, we’re here to help.
Contact us today to discuss your vessel’s signage requirements.
Would you like a web-optimised version of this or additional graphics to go alongside the post?
