Issuing agency: Lloyd's Register
Column: research report
source: https://www.lr.org/en/knowledge/research-reports/2024/alarm-management/
Effective alarm management is crucial for ensuring safety and crew well-being on board ships.
A key finding from our latest research report reveals that the number of bridge alarms have increased by 197% in less than two decades, creating often critical alarm flooding which can lead to poor decision making.
Combining real-world data with perceptions from 65 watchkeepers from 15 ships, our new report illustrates the actual alarm environment faced by bridge crews and engine control room personnel. Among the key findings are the excessive alarms and 'alarm flooding' overwhelming operators, making it difficult to respond to critical alarms promptly, raising a significant safety concern.
The report concludes that a comprehensive alarm management approach is necessary, including rationalization and continuous performance monitoring. This will ensure that operators can respond effectively, maintaining both operational safety and crew well-being.
Find out more about our research project “Alarm management in the maritime industry” here.