Overview
EN ISO 11192:2018 (ISO 11192:2005) specifies standardized graphical symbols for use on small craft and their equipment. The standard covers symbols for operator controls, gauges, tell‑tales, indicators, instructions and warnings against risks for small craft up to 24 m length of hull. Adopted by CEN as EN ISO 11192:2018, it provides a consistent, language‑independent way to communicate safety and operating information on boats, engines and related marine equipment.
Key Topics
- Scope and purpose
- Symbols for small craft components, marine engines, operation and warnings for craft ≤ 24 m.
- Symbol categories
- Media (fuel, oil, air, fresh water, exhaust gas, LPG, diesel, unleaded)
- Conditions (temperature, pressure, rotational speed, flow/direction, elapsed hours, liquid levels)
- Boat components and marine engine components
- Boat operation and engine operation (including fuel, charge air, exhaust, coolant, lubricating oils)
- Warning, caution and malfunction indicators; miscellaneous symbols
- Colour conventions
- Red = danger / unsafe / hot
- Yellow / Orange = caution
- Colour use follows ISO 3864‑1 guidance for safety signs
- Design and application rules
- Regulatory linkage
- Annex ZA explains how the standard supports conformity with EU Directive 2013/53/EU (recreational craft directive), providing a presumption of conformity when cited in the Official Journal.
Applications
Who uses EN ISO 11192:2018 and why:
- Boat builders and marine equipment manufacturers - to label controls, fuel fills, gauges and engine components consistently across models and markets.
- Product designers and technical illustrators - to apply standardized graphical symbols that improve usability and safety.
- Maritime safety officers, installers and maintenance personnel - for clear, language‑neutral indicators of hazards, operating modes and fluid types.
- Regulators and conformity assessors - to evaluate whether equipment labeling meets harmonized European requirements (Directive 2013/53/EU).
Practical uses include dashboard layouts, fuel cap markings (petrol/diesel/unleaded/LPG), warning indicators for overheating or low oil, flow direction arrows, and maintenance hour meters.
Related Standards
Normative references and complementary documents:
- ISO 3864‑1 - Safety colours and safety signs
- ISO 7000 - Graphical symbols for use on equipment (index)
- ISO 7010 - Safety signs used in workplaces and public areas
- ISO 17724 - Graphical symbols vocabulary
- IEC 60417 - Graphical symbols for use on equipment
- IEC 80416‑1 - Principles for creation of symbol originals
EN ISO 11192:2018 is essential for consistent, internationally‑recognised marine safety symbols, improving clarity, reducing language barriers and supporting regulatory compliance for small craft and associated equipment.
