SOLAS No.2 Life Saving Signals Card

The SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Life Saving Signals card, commonly called the SOLAS No. 2 card, is an essential tool for mariners and rescue personnel. It is part of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulations, which aim to ensure the safety of ships and their crew. This card contains standardised signals for communication between ships, aircraft, and persons in distress and those engaged in search and rescue operations. Here's a summary of its key features:

Key Features of the SOLAS Life Saving Signals Card

1. Visual Signals:
   • Day and Night Signals: The card includes illustrations of visual signals that can be used during the day and at night to convey specific messages. These signals might include flares, flags, lights, and other means.

2. Radio Signals:
   • Morse Code: It provides the Morse code equivalents for distress signals and other important communications.
   • Voice Communication: Standard phrases and their phonetic pronunciations are listed to ensure clarity in voice communications over radio.

3. Distress Signals:
   • Recognised International Distress Signals: The card highlights various recognised distress signals that indicate a ship or individual is in trouble and requires assistance. These can include the waving of arms, smoke signals, or using sound signals like the continuous sounding of a foghorn.

4. Response Signals:
   • Signals for Acknowledgment: The card lists the signals used to acknowledge that a distress signal has been received and understood.
   • Instructions for Rescue Operations: It outlines the standard procedures and signals to be used during rescue operations to ensure effective coordination between rescuers and those being rescued.

5. Standardised Symbols:
   • The card uses internationally recognized symbols and codes to eliminate language barriers, making it easier for international crews and rescue teams to understand and use the signals.

Importance of the SOLAS Life Saving Signals Card

• Universal Communication: Ensures that distress signals and rescue instructions are universally understood by mariners, regardless of their native language.
• Safety Compliance: Helps ships comply with SOLAS regulations, thereby enhancing safety at sea.
• Training and Education: Serves as a training aid for mariners, ensuring they are familiar with the standard life-saving signals.

In summary, the SOLAS Life Saving Signals card is a critical safety tool that provides standardized communication methods for distress and rescue situations at sea, facilitating effective and efficient rescue operations.