---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 154.1830"
title: "46"
number: "154.1830"
heading: "Warning sign."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/154.1830"
---

# §154.1830. Warning sign.

- (a) The master shall ensure that a vessel transferring cargo, while fast to a dock or while at anchor in port, displays a warning sign:
  - (1) At the gangway facing the shore so that the sign may be seen from the shore; and
  - (2) Facing outboard towards the water so that the sign may be seen from the water.
- (b) Except as provided in [paragraph (e)](#e) of this section, each warning sign must have the following words:
  - (1) **Warning.**
  - (2) **Dangerous Cargo.**
  - (3) **No Visitors.**
  - (4) **No Smoking.**
  - (5) **No Open Lights.**
- (c) **Each letter in the words on the sign must—**
  - (1) Be block style;
  - (2) Be black on a white background;
  - (3) Be 7.6 cm (3 in.) high;
  - (4) Be 5.1 cm (2 in.) wide, except for “M” and “W” which must be 7.6 cm (3 in.) wide, and the letter “I” which may be 1.3 cm ( 1/2 in.) wide; and
  - (5) Have 1.3 cm ( 1/2 in.) stroke width.
- (d) The spacing between letters must be:
  - (1) 1.3 cm ( 1/2 in.) between letters of the same word on the sign;
  - (2) 5.1 cm (2 in.) between words;
  - (3) 5.1 cm (2 in.) between lines; and
  - (4) 5.1 cm (2 in.) at the borders of the sign.
- (e) The words “No Smoking” and “No Open Lights” may be omitted when the cargoes on board a vessel are not flammable.
- (f) When a vessel carries or transfers vinyl chloride, the warning sign under [paragraph (b)](#b) of this section must also have the words “Cancer Suspect Agent.”

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 3703, 9101; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1.

### Source

Source: CGD 74-289, 44 FR 26009, May 3, 1979, unless otherwise noted.