Emergency Alarms on Ships

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of a Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System (BNWAS)?

To enhance communication among crew members.

To provide real-time weather updates.

To reduce the overall weight of nautical equipment.

To monitor bridge activity and detect operator disability. (correct)

Which of the following scenarios would trigger an alert from the BNWAS?

There is an equipment malfunction.

The OOW needs to take a break.

The ship encounters rough weather.

The OOW is incapacitated due to sickness. (correct)

How long is the dormant period during which the BNWAS remains inactive without sounding an alarm?

10 to 20 minutes

15 to 30 minutes

1 to 5 minutes

3 to 12 minutes (correct)

What does the man overboard (MOB) alarm aim to assist with?

Locating a person who has fallen overboard Signup and view all the answers

What happens if the visual indication after the dormant period is not reset within 15 seconds?

An audible alarm is activated. Signup and view all the answers

What is the sequence of sounds for the abandon ship alarm?

Six short blasts followed by one long blast Signup and view all the answers

Which mode of operation allows the BNWAS to be turned off?

Manual OFF Signup and view all the answers

What should crew members bring to the emergency muster station upon hearing the abandon ship alarm?

Lifejacket or immersion suit Signup and view all the answers

What type of alarm is sounded first if the OOW fails to reset the visual indication?

Audible alarm (first stage) Signup and view all the answers

What should crew members do first when they hear the navigational alarm?

Identify the equipment related to the alarm Signup and view all the answers

Who is alerted by the BNWAS if the OOW is incapacitated?

The Master or another qualified OOW. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Bridge Navigational Watch & Alarm System (BNWAS) contribute to a ship's operations?

It automates and enhances navigational watchkeeping Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is expected of the second stage audible alarm?

It should have a unique tone or modulation. Signup and view all the answers

What action is advised against during an emergency evacuation?

Taking longer routes to the muster station Signup and view all the answers

What happens when an equipment failure occurs on the navigation bridge?

An alarm signal sounds with details on a notification screen Signup and view all the answers

During a man overboard situation, what is the first action required by the crew?

Follow the standard procedures for the MOB alarm Signup and view all the answers

What is the pattern of signals for the general emergency alarm on a ship?

Seven short rings followed by one long ring Signup and view all the answers

When a fire is detected on board, how must the crew initiate the fire alarm?

Shout 'FIRE FIRE FIRE' and press the nearest fire switch Signup and view all the answers

How long should the fire alarm sound last on most vessels?

A minimum of 10 seconds Signup and view all the answers

What signal accompanies the man overboard alarm when it is triggered?

Three long rings from the internal bell followed by three long blasts from the whistle Signup and view all the answers

What should crew members do upon hearing the general alarm?

Proceed to assigned muster stations and listen to the PA system Signup and view all the answers

What is the first action crew members take when responding to a fire alarm?

Report to the designated fire station Signup and view all the answers

In case of an emergency, what is one of the key roles of crew members after identifying the emergency type?

Regroup according to squad assignments Signup and view all the answers

What does the master sound to release the crew from fire stations?

The general alarm three times followed by three short blasts from the whistle Signup and view all the answers

What occurs 90 seconds after the second stage alarm if it has not been reset?

Another audible alarm is sounded. Signup and view all the answers

Which vessels are exempt from the rule about combining the second and third stage alarms?

Passenger vessels. Signup and view all the answers

How many minutes should be accounted for a backup officer to reach the Bridge on very large vessels?

3 minutes. Signup and view all the answers

What is required to reset the alarm system?

A single operator action from the bridge. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the reset button is activated in relation to the dormant period?

The dormant period starts further without extension. Signup and view all the answers

What triggers a common engine room alarm?

An equipment malfunction. Signup and view all the answers

How is the CO₂ fire extinguishing system alarm differentiated from the standard machinery space alarm?

It emits a distinct sound pattern. Signup and view all the answers

What should the crew do immediately when the engine room alarm sounds?

Identify the associated machinery or system. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the CO₂ alarm on a ship?

To alert crew when the CO₂ discharge cabinet is opened Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions should NOT be taken immediately after the cargo space CO₂ alarm is triggered?

Send a distress signal via radio Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) from other alarms onboard?

It transmits a silent signal to authorities Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key components involved in the development of the SSAS?

Cospas-Sarsat Signup and view all the answers

Why is it vital for crew members to understand different alarm signals on a ship?

To respond effectively during emergencies Signup and view all the answers

In which regulatory framework is the SSAS mandated?

SOLAS Chapter XI Signup and view all the answers

What kind of alarm is triggered in the cargo spaces when the fixed CO₂ firefighting system is activated?

An audible and visual alarm Signup and view all the answers

What emergency situations specifically trigger the activation of the SSAS?

Pirate attacks or terrorism threats Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

General Alarm

The general alarm on a ship consists of seven short rings followed by one long ring, either using a bell or horn.
It signals an emergency—fire, collision, grounding, or abandonment.
The alarm is activated from the bridge.
Crew members follow muster lists and proceed to assigned stations.
Crew actions upon hearing the alarm: go to muster stations, listen to the Public Address (PA) system for emergency information, regroup by squad, and take corrective actions.

Fire Alarm

Fire is detected, crew activates alarm by pressing a switch or shouting "FIRE FIRE FIRE".
The fire alarm is characterized by continuous ringing of the bell or horn for at least 10 seconds.
Crew actions upon hearing the alarm: report to designated fire station, confirm fire location, and carry out duties as per muster list.
If the captain releases crew from fire stations, three times general alarm, followed by three short blasts from the whistle.

Man Overboard Alarm

Occurs when a crew member or passenger falls overboard.
The alarm consists of three long rings from the ship's bell, followed by three long blasts from the ship's whistle.
A man overboard signal, including light and smoke, is placed near the lifebuoy to help locate the person overboard.
Crew actions: follow standard procedures for man overboard situations.

Abandon Ship Alarm

Issued by the master when the ship is no longer safe.
The alarm is a series of more than six short blasts, followed by a long blast from the ship’s whistle and/or general alarm bell.
Crew actions: bring lifejacket/immersion suit, take additional items as per muster list, avoid longer routes, and wait for the order to abandon the ship.

Navigational Alarm

Related to navigational equipment or lights malfunctioning.
The alarm sounds when a system fails.
Crew actions: identify the affected equipment, investigate the cause, correct the malfunction, or switch to backup equipment if necessary.

Bridge Navigational Watch & Alarm System (BNWAS)

Automated system used for safe navigation.
Detects any discrepancies in activities of the watchkeeping officers and alerts the master about potential incapacitation.
BNWAS is operated in three modes: automatic, manual-on, manual-off.

Alarms and Indications

The dormant period is between 3 to 12 minutes, after which the alarm sounds.
Visual indications and audible alarms are given in stages of increasing intensity.
The third stage alarm is the strongest, signaling urgency.

Machinery Space Alarm

Activated when machinery malfunctions.
Displays the specific problem on the control panel.
Crew actions: identify the specific machinery involved, pinpoint the fault, resolve the issue, or activate standby machinery.

Machinery Space CO2 Alarm

A distinct audible and visual alarm for the CO2 fire suppression system.
This system's alarm is easily distinguished by sound pressure or patterns.
The alarm activates when the release cabinet door is opened.

Cargo Space CO2 Alarm

Activated for cargo spaces with fixed CO2 fire suppression system.
Unique distinct sounds and pressure for easy identification.
Crew actions: conduct a headcount of crew, confirm the cargo area is sealed, and shut down ventilation systems.

Ship Security Alarm System (SSAS)

A silent alarm system for emergencies such as pirate attack.
Transmits via global satellite system to relevant authorities.
Doesn't trigger audible alarms on the ship.
The SSAS uses the flag state to determine who receives initial security alerts, usually the ship owner or a third party.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz covers essential protocols for emergency alarms on ships, including the general alarm, fire alarm, and man overboard alarm. Learn the specific actions that crew members must take upon hearing these alarms and the procedures involved in various emergencies. Test your knowledge of maritime safety signals and emergency response.