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easily escape hazardous exposure or Þ res. ÒIn the world of maritime environmental regulations, proper pipe-marking is the new standard of pollution prevention monitoring,Ó said Liam OÕConnell, a Maritime Consultant with H&O Marine, LLC. ÒTheir use is integral to a safe, efÞ cient, and environmentally friendly way of doing business.Ó Pipe markers provide sea vessel employees with the necessary information to safely operate around hazardous materials. With visible safety signs and labels, crew members act quickly and knowingly in case of a spill or emergency. These codes are speciÞ cally stated according to ANSI.13.1. ÒAs a former USCG Marine Inspector, I can easily say that an organized ship is way more likely to receive a good inspection report. Inspecting an Engine Room where pipes are properly marked shows the inspector that the vessel owners and crew are investing time and money into their operation,Ó said OÕConnell.In addition to ANSI.13.1, the International ISO 14726-1 standard deÞ nes the basic colors used for pipeline identiÞ cation onboard ships. Also, ISO 1476-2 speciÞ es additional colors that can be used in conjunction with the main colors for more thorough marine pipe marking. IN CASE OF EMERGENCY ÒSafe and quick routes to safe gathering points must be clearly labeled so that even in panic scenarios, signage will lead personnel out of harmÕs way for accountability to the bridge,Ó said Michael Ritchie, VP of Marine Rescue Technologies. He adds, ÒDuring an emergency, and the panic that ensues, people act differently and do not remember as well. Electricity is likely to be out, and proper glow-in-the-dark marking could be the only thing that will save a marinerÕs life.Ó For Marine Health & Safety Advisors responsible for best practices, generating maritime-worthy signs and labels ?Risk and safety assessments are recommended by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Their purpose is preventing unwanted events, such as occupational accidents, major accidents and disasters. Think of all the contributing factors related to maritime accidents and consider how signs and labels help communicate dangers, risks, and provide actions to take.? 26 MNSeptember 2012MNSept2012 Layout 18-31.indd 26MNSept2012 Layout 18-31.indd 268/31/2012 9:23:18 AM8/31/2012 9:23:18 AM