Alarms

The IMO Resolution A.1021(26), Code on Alerts and Indicators, provides us with the “general design guidance to promote uniformity of type, location, and priority…” for alerts and indicators. Where applicable, that IMO resolution should be used for determining design and implementation of alarms, alerts, and associated indicators. The document also presents tables of required alarms and indicators for spaces of different functionality, machinery, and ship or structure type. The principles and guidelines of this chapter apply to visual and auditory alarms/alerts and associated controls, local and remote, which require the attention of personnel. Alarms can be categorised as visual alarms, visual alarms accompanied by audible tones, and audible alarms. These principles apply to visual and audible alarms located on local panels or central control area panels or consoles (e.g., control rooms, navigation bridges). These principles do not necessarily apply to general emergency alarms.