Overview
ISO 15370:2021 - "Ships and marine technology - Low‑location lighting (LLL) on passenger ships - Arrangement" specifies requirements for the approval, installation and maintenance of low‑location lighting systems on passenger ships. It supplements SOLAS II‑2 (Reg. 13.3.2.5.1) and the FSS Code (Ch. 11) and is intended to ensure that LLL systems reliably delineate escape routes and exits when normal or emergency lighting is reduced by smoke.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and purpose: Defines the LLL system (guidance lines, low‑location signs and exit markings) used to identify escape routes for passengers and crew in accommodation spaces, corridors, stairways and exits. LLL elements are typically placed not more than 0.3 m above the deck (per SOLAS guidance).
- System components: Guidance lines at low level, exit door marking, and low‑location signage integrated with the guidance lines.
- Performance requirements
- Continuity: Guidance lines should be as continuous as practicable; interruptions (e.g., doors, ducts) are permitted but limited (generally not exceeding 2 m) so as not to impair route delineation.
- Duration: LLL systems shall operate continuously for at least 60 minutes after activation.
- EP systems: Electrically powered (EP) line or point light sources must be green, white or yellow.
- Phosphorescent systems: Phosphorescent (photoluminescent) materials must meet luminance performance (e.g., a minimum luminance threshold is specified for measurement after excitation) and be tested per the standard’s annexes.
- Radiological safety: No radioactive materials unless sealed and tested per ISO 2919.
- Documentation & approval: Requires technical product documentation, shipboard installation plan and formal approval by the competent authority or authorized organization.
- Installation specifics: Clauses and annexes cover arrangement in corridors, doors, stairways, signage placement and minimum widths/luminance requirements.
- Testing & maintenance: Normative annexes define test methods for phosphorescent and electrically powered systems and procedures for onboard assessment and maintenance.
Practical applications and users
ISO 15370:2021 is used by:
- Ship designers and naval architects specifying escape route marking systems
- LLL and lighting manufacturers supplying phosphorescent strips, LED lines and fixtures
- Classification societies, flag state authorities and port state control for plan approval and compliance verification
- Shipyards and installation contractors during fitting‑out
- Ship operators and safety officers for maintenance planning and periodic testing
Implementing ISO 15370 helps improve passenger and crew safety by ensuring escape routes remain visible under smoke‑obscured conditions, supporting SOLAS compliance, and standardizing LLL design, testing and upkeep.
Related standards
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