Ship Compartment Numbering Plaques (Naval / NATO Convention)

These 3D printable plaques replicate the compartment numbering system used aboard modern warships. They were designed as signage for a ship bridge simulator used for training cadets, but they may also be useful for: • Naval bridge simulators • Ship simulators • Maritime training facilities • Navy Cadets / Sea Cadets units • Classroom teaching aids • Maritime museums or displays The plaques follow the NATO / US Navy compartment numbering convention, which is widely used across modern naval vessels, particularly Commonwealth navies. Each plaque displays a compartment identifier such as: 01-31-0 BRIDGE This number is a coordinate describing the compartment’s position aboard a ship. Deck Number: The first number identifies the deck. 01 First deck above the main deck 1 Main deck 2 First deck below main deck 3 Second deck below main deck Frame Number: The middle number identifies the ship’s structural frame where the compartment is located. Ships are built around numbered frames (similar to ribs). Frame numbers increase from bow to stern. Athwartships Position: The final number identifies how far the compartment is from the centreline of the ship. • 0 = centreline • Even numbers = port side • Odd numbers = starboard side • Numbers increase as you move outward from the centreline Example: 01-31-0 This indicates a compartment located: • On Deck 01 • At Frame 31 • On the centreline of the ship Printing Notes: Designed for FDM printing with a filament change. I printed these on my Elegoo Centauri Carbon with a print pause to change filament. Recommended setup: • Print plate in white or silver • Swap filament for black raised lettering • Plate size: 180 × 80 mm Raised lettering provides good visibility without requiring painting. The current set includes plaques for a small bridge simulator layout: • Navigation Bridge • Senior Sailors Mess • Junior Sailors Mess • Commanding Officer's Office • Store Room These can easily be adapted for other compartments by editing the text. This model was created for use in a naval bridge simulation space for Navy Cadets but may also be useful for: • maritime training environments • ship bridge simulators • naval-themed escape rooms • maritime education displays