Imagine it’s a quiet night and your engine room is running remotely. The duty engineer is in their cabin. Something goes wrong. A fuel pump trips. The Bilge level rises. The temperature is above limits. There is a machinery alarm in the control room but no one is there. The speed at which someone is alerted will determine what happens. The engineers’ call alarm is a simple system to ensure that someone is contacted no matter where they are on board.
Often people use the terms interchangeably.The engineers’ alarm is a SOLAS requirement. This can be activated from the engine control room or manoeuvring platform. It must be clearly heard in the engineers’ accommodation. This is the ‘All engineers come now’ alarm. This should be used in an emergency or to provide extra help to the duty engineer.
The engineers’ call (extension) alarm is part of the machinery alarm system. This forwards machinery alarms from the engine room to the engineers’ accommodation (cabins, mess
room, bridge and public areas).Many ships will have shared components between systems. However, they have very different purposes. The engineers’ alarm is a manual emergency alarm whereas the engineers’ call alarm is an automated system to ensure alarms are heard.
On a UMS ship the machinery alarm system will be monitoring the plant. The engineers’ call system will alert someone to the fault. Here is a typical sequence:-
The key point is that the system will escalate.
Manual button. Used when extra help is required from the duty engineer quickly. This can be:-
When the button is pressed the alarm will sound in the accommodation. This means the engineers know to go to the engine room. Everyone should know what the alarm sounds like and what to do. Typically this will be to go to the engine control room or where instructed by the duty engineer.
The system will sound in:-
Some systems will have a visual indicator. This is useful in noisy areas or if someone is sleeping with ear protection on.
The alarm system would be useless if it stopped when the power went off. Often the alarm system will be required when there is a power issue. The alarm will normally be powered from the main source with an emergency back up. It should be automatic. The wiring and components will be designed so that a single fault will not cause the entire system to fail. Many systems will have self monitoring to detect faults such as a broken wire or faulty sounder. This will indicate a fault.
If the alarm is never tested it may not work when required. The call system should be tested regularly. Typically this will be done as part of planned maintenance and pre-departure checks.
A good test will ensure:-
The results should be recorded. Any defects should be reported and rectified quickly.
There are a few common faults:-
Modern engine rooms will often run remotely for long periods of time. The system ensures that someone will be alerted and will continue to try until someone responds. The engineers’ call alarm is simple but is one of the factors that makes an unmanned machinery space safe. Ensure it is well tested, the selector is set correctly and the crew treat every call as genuine.
An alarm that is a SOLAS requirement. This can be activated from the engine control room or manoeuvring platform. It must be clearly heard in the engineers’ accommodation. This is used to call engineers into the engine room in an emergency.
The engineers’ alarm is a manual emergency alarm. The engineers’ call/extension is part of the machinery alarm system. This will automatically pass machinery alarms to the accommodation and bridge on UMS ships.
To identify which engineer is on duty. This will ensure machinery alarms are passed to the correct engineers’ cabin.
After a set amount of time the alarm will escalate. This will cause the call to be passed onto the other engineers. Often this will include the bridge and chief engineer. This will ensure the alarm is not missed.
Often emergencies will involve a power issue. The alarm must work during a blackout.
Regularly. Typically this will be done as part of planned maintenance and checks. This will depend on the ship’s procedures and class requirements.
A watchkeeping alarm. This ensures that the person in the unattended machinery space is still responsive. An alarm will be raised if they are unable to reset it in time.
Disclaimer :- The opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author and may not necessarily reflect those of Merchant Navy Decoded. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provided and disclaim any responsibility for it. Data and visuals used are sourced from publicly available information and may not be authenticated by any regulatory body. Reviews and comments appearing on our blogs represent the opinions of individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views of Merchant Navy Decoded. We are not responsible for any loss or damage resulting from reliance on these reviews or comments.
Reproduction, copying, sharing, or use of the article or images in any form is strictly prohibited without prior permission from both the author and Merchant Navy Decoded.
Decoded Discount Alert! up to 50% OFF
Decoded Discount Alert! up to 50% OFF
Use Coupon Code Deep50
