Emergency Alarms on Ships

A ship alarm signaling a serious emergency (fire, collision, grounding).

Crew report to muster stations, listen to PA for info, act based on muster plan and assigned tasks.

Ship alarm signaling a fire incident occurring onboard.

Report to fire station, locate fire, follow muster instructions.

Alarm indicating a person has fallen overboard.

Alarm that alerts the crew immediately while alerting nearby ships with signals.

Protocols and assignments for handling emergency situations on a ship

A document outlining roles and responsibilities for crew members in emergency situations.

A system designed to monitor bridge activity and detect operator disability, preventing potential marine accidents.

To monitor the Officer of the Watch's (OOW) awareness and automatically alert the Master or a backup OOW if the OOW becomes incapable of performing their duties.

Triggered during a watchkeeping officer's incapacity due to accident, sickness, or security threats like piracy or hijacking.

The BNWAS operates in three modes: Automatic (always on), Manual ON (activated manually), Manual OFF (turned off by the Master).

The initial inactive period of the BNWAS (3 to 12 minutes) during which the system is active but does not sound alarms.

A visual indication (flashing) is activated requiring the OOW to reset it. If not reset within 15 seconds, an audible alarm sounds.

If the first stage alarm remains unreset, a second distinctive audible alarm is sounded in the backup officer's and/or Master's cabins.

The action required to deactivate the BNWAS alarms after they have been triggered.

A ship alarm signaling an uncontrollable emergency where the ship is no longer safe for the crew. It consists of six short blasts followed by one long blast from the ship's whistle, repeated on the general alarm bell.

Upon hearing the Abandon Ship Alarm, crew members must gather at the designated muster station with lifejackets and any necessary supplies, avoiding the accommodation area and waiting for the master's command to abandon the ship.

An alarm triggered by failure of any of the navigational equipment or lights on the ship's bridge. A notification screen displays the location and details of the problem.

Upon hearing the Navigational Alarm, crew members must first identify the affected equipment, investigate the cause, and attempt to correct the issue or switch to backup systems if necessary.

A ship alarm used to indicate a man overboard, emitting light and smoke to assist in locating the person.

An automated system on ships that aids in navigation, especially during emergencies, supporting the officer on watch in making critical decisions.

The BNWAS is designed to assist in navigation, particularly during emergencies, providing essential information and aiding the officer on watch in making critical decisions. This system is crucial for ensuring the safety of the ship and its crew in challenging situations.

Automated systems like the BNWAS enhance navigation safety by providing real-time data and alerts, supporting informed decisions even in stressful situations. This automation frees the officer from manually monitoring multiple instruments, reducing errors and increasing overall safety.

The CO₂ alarm activates when the release cabinet door for the CO₂ bottle banks is opened.

A distinct alarm triggered by the ship's CO₂ firefighting system in cargo spaces.

1. Conduct a headcount. 2. Confirm the cargo hold is sealed and empty. 3. Shut down all ventilation systems for the cargo hold.

A silent alarm system designed for emergencies like pirate attacks, transmitting a signal via satellite to authorities.

When activated, it transmits a signal to authorities near the ship's location about the emergency.

The International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, which integrates the SSAS.

Developed through a collaboration between Cospas-Sarsat and the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

A loud, distinct alarm sounded 90 seconds after the second stage alarm, designed to be easily heard throughout the ship and wake sleeping crew members.

The process of silencing the audible alarms and restarting the dormant period, requiring a single action from a designated location on the bridge.

An alarm that indicates a malfunction or problem in the engine room.

A distinct alarm specific to the CO₂ fire extinguishing system, ensuring clear identification and activation.

To clearly signal the activation of the CO₂ fire extinguishing system, distinct from other alarms to avoid confusion.

The alarm is designed to be heard throughout the protected space, even when machinery is running, with a distinctive sound pattern to distinguish it from other alarms.

The first step in responding to an alarm is to identify the specific source or equipment associated with the alarm.

The crew must identify the problem, pinpoint the cause, and resolve the issue or activate standby equipment if necessary.