Overview
ISO 1964:1987 - "Shipbuilding - Indication of details on the general arrangement plans of ships" is an ISO standard produced by ISO/TC 8 (Shipbuilding and Marine Structures). It defines a consistent set of graphical symbols for showing equipment and details on a ship’s general arrangement (GA) plans. Symbols are drawn approximately to 1:100 scale (and scaled proportionally for 1:50 or 1:200 plans). The standard helps make GA drawings clear, interoperable and suitable for regulatory review.
Key topics
- Scope of symbols: standardized symbols are provided for nine main categories:
- 1 Bulkheads (walls) and bulkhead openings
- 2 Accommodation furniture (berths, seating, tables, storage)
- 3 Sanitary equipment (basins, lavatories, showers, WC types)
- 4 Galley and laundry (ranges, refrigerators, washers, dryers)
- 5 Workshops (benches, lathes, drill machines)
- 6 Navigation and bridge equipment
- 7 Deck equipment
- 8 Stairs, bulwarks, ladders
- 9 Hatches and covers
- Basic elements: core/basic symbols are identified in clauses 1.1, 2.1 and 3.1 and may be combined with other symbols; examples of combinations are provided throughout the standard.
- Scaling and representation: symbols are drawn at ~1:100 and may be enlarged/reduced proportionally for other plan scales; symbols can be drawn to reflect actual equipment size and proportions.
- Special equipment: items not listed may be represented by a representative-shaped symbol and accompanied by a reference number linking to an explanatory legend.
- Fire-related notation: where applicable, lettered symbols may be followed by numbers indicating limitation of temperature rise periods; the standard references SOLAS Regulation 35 (1974, amended) and IMO Resolution A.517(XIII) 1983 for context.
Applications
ISO 1964:1987 is used to:
- Produce clear, consistent general arrangement (GA) plans used in ship design and documentation.
- Communicate equipment layout in shipyards, design offices and with classification societies.
- Support regulatory and safety reviews (e.g., fire-zone and escape-route planning) by standardizing how bulkheads, doors, windows and sanitary fittings are shown.
- Create drawing legends and index entries for special or bespoke machinery using numbered symbols.
Typical users:
- Naval architects, ship designers and draughtsmen
- Shipbuilding yards and marine engineering offices
- Classification societies, flag administrations and surveyors
- Regulatory authorities reviewing GA plans for compliance
Related standards
- SOLAS (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea) - Regulation 35 and related amendments
- IMO Resolution A.517(XIII) (1983) - referenced for fire and temperature-rise considerations
Keywords: ISO 1964:1987, shipbuilding standard, general arrangement plans, GA symbols, bulkheads, accommodation furniture, sanitary equipment, galley and laundry, ship design, SOLAS.