Lesson previewRead the Sign as an Instruction1 section shown
Preview lesson
Read the Sign as an Instruction
What you will learn
Classify a CEVNI board by its sign family, then use its exact symbol and scope to choose an early, observable action.
Annex 7 groups main signs as prohibitory, mandatory, restrictive, recommendatory or informative. The family tells you the kind of message; only the exact sign and its scope tell you what to do.
CEVNI Annex 7 labels its five main-sign families A to E: A prohibits, B requires, C restricts, D recommends and E informs. This is a useful first sort because it tells you whether an option has disappeared, an action is compulsory, a physical or operational limit must be checked, a route is recommended, or information is being supplied.
Family recognition is not the answer by itself. Two red-bordered boards can require very different responses, and a blue information board does not grant permission beyond the precise feature shown. Read the symbol, number, light or wording before deciding what the sign means.
Use a repeatable sequence: identify the family, name the exact meaning, establish the side, opening, distance or vessel class to which it applies, compare it with the vessel and traffic situation, then make the required action visible early enough for other users to understand it.
| Family | Question it answers | Required response |
|---|---|---|
| A — Prohibitory | Which action is forbidden? | Remove that action from the plan |
| B — Mandatory | What must the vessel do? | Carry out the exact instruction |
| C — Restrictive | What limit or offset applies? | Check the boat and route before commitment |
| D — Recommendatory | Which opening or route is recommended? | Use the recommendation unless a safer lawful control requires otherwise |
| E — Informative | What permission, facility or feature is identified? | Use only the information actually given |
Read two instructions together
A village reach displays a B.6 board showing 6 km/h and an A.9 no-damaging-wash board.
1. Classify
B.6 is a mandatory maximum speed; A.9 prohibits wash likely to cause damage.
2. Combine
Do not exceed 6 km/h and reduce further if the boat still creates damaging wash.
3. Show the action
Ease speed before the signed reach rather than braking beside moored craft or the bank.
Sense check: The posted number is a ceiling, not a target and not permission to create damaging wash below it.
Common mistake or limitation
- Naming the family without identifying the exact board and action.
- Treating a recommendation or information board as unlimited permission.
- Waiting until the sign is abeam before changing speed or position.
Recap
- A prohibits, B requires, C restricts, D recommends and E informs.
- Shape, symbol, number, light and auxiliary information complete the meaning.
- Classify, scope, act and verify is stronger than memorising a caption alone.
Optional quick check
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