Aging Evacuation Markings on Dutch Ro-Ro Ferries? Glow-in-the-Dark IMO Signs Help Owners Pass Surveys with Confidence

The Netherlands operates a large fleet of ro-ro passenger and inland ferries, many of which have been in service for more than a decade. On numerous vessels, traditional safety plates and painted arrows have faded, cracked, or almost lost their luminance, creating real anxiety whenever a class or PSC inspection is due. If escape route markings fail luminance tests, operators face costly repairs or even temporary withdrawal from service.

Dry-docking to replace rigid plates or repainted symbols is time-consuming and expensive. To break this cycle, several Dutch operators are now switching to Glow in the dark IMO signs and photo luminescent marine stickers in roll form. Layouts are prepared ashore; symbols are printed onto Printable Marine Warning Safety IMO Symbol Signs Glow In The Dark (Luminous) Stickers, then cut and applied during short port stays instead of long yard stops.

These photoluminescent stickers use PVC glow film with pressure-sensitive adhesive and double-PE release liner. They meet IMO requirements for luminance and after-glow time: after 10–30 minutes of exposure to daylight or cabin lighting, they will continue to glow for hours in blackout or smoke-filled corridors. For Dutch ferry owners, the result is shorter off-hire periods, fully compliant escape signage in cabins, car decks and stairwells, and extended “safe service life” for aging vessels without costly structural modifications.