Overview
ISO 17631:2022 - Ships and marine technology defines the content, design, layout and use of shipboard plans for fire control, damage control, lifesaving appliances and means of escape. Intended to supplement IMO and SOLAS requirements, this 2022 second edition standard sets uniform requirements for ship safety plans and the graphical symbols and colour coding used in those plans. It is aimed at commercial vessels and marine installations to improve onboard and shoreside emergency response, clarity of safety information, and regulatory compliance.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and purpose: Specifies what must be shown on shipboard plans (fire control plans, structural fire-protection, means of escape, lifesaving appliances, and damage control plans).
- Plan preparation: Requirements on layout, scale and clarity - e.g., general plans not smaller than 1:200 (except damage control plans generally not smaller than 1:400).
- Graphical symbols and colours: Annex A provides standard graphical symbols (minimum symbol size 7 mm × 7 mm); Annex B lists standard colours and equivalents. Symbols were revised to align with IMO A.1116 (30), ISO 24409-2 and ISO 7010.
- Legends and text: All plans must include a symbol legend, clear deck-by-deck detail, space names, cabin numbers and a minimum letter point size (12). Single font types are recommended for legibility.
- Documentation and availability: Booklets and plan distribution, storage on board, computer-based systems, update procedures and accessibility to shoreside fire-fighting personnel are covered.
- Required particulars: Plans/booklets should contain ship-specific particulars (e.g., keel-laying date/stage of construction, IMO number, dates/descriptions of modifications affecting fire or damage control).
- Language and format: Text must meet competent authority language requirements; consolidated plans are permitted if legible.
Practical applications and users
Who uses ISO 17631:2022:
- Shipowners, ship operators and shipbuilders preparing compliance documentation for SOLAS and flag state approval.
- Marine safety officers, shipboard firefighting teams and damage-control officers who rely on clear, standardised shipboard plans.
- Port/shore-based fire and emergency services requiring access to ship layouts and standard symbols during response.
- Classification societies, flag administrations and consultants producing plan booklets or computer-based safety systems.
Benefits:
- Improved interoperability between onboard crews and shoreside responders
- Consistent, legible safety plans for inspections and emergency drills
- Easier compliance with IMO and SOLAS requirements
Related standards and references
- SOLAS (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea)
- IMO Resolutions A.952 (23), A.1116 (30)
- ISO 24409-2, ISO 7010 (symbol harmonization)
Keywords: ISO 17631:2022, shipboard plans, fire control plan, damage control plan, lifesaving appliances, means of escape, maritime safety, SOLAS compliance, graphical symbols.
Open preview (PDF)Ships and marine technology — Shipboard plans for fire control, damage control, life-saving appliances and means of escape
