Lloyd’s Register finds 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.
According to the Effective Alarm Management in the Maritime Industry report, 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.
This study examines the challenges of operating effective alarm systems on ships, drawing on the experiences of 65 watchkeepers and observations from vessel bridges and engine control rooms. The findings suggest that the ‘alarm problem’ is widespread across the maritime industry, even among well-performing vessels. Alarm system design, which should account for human limitations, is a key factor in its operability and usability. Policymakers are urged to prioritize reforms in alarm system design to better suit human needs.
The research identifies several high-performance indicators in alarm management, particularly those related to managerial practices. These include intelligent crew resourcing, fostering ship-specific familiarity, competence building, and the creation of watchkeeper-approved alarm procedures. Some system-specific indicators also contribute to effective alarm management, such as allowing watchkeepers to manage alarm settings and eliminating ‘stale alarms’ to reduce clutter. Additionally, officers prefer a blend of traditional indicators and a centralised alarm display for essential system monitoring, particularly during abnormal events.
Ultimately, the study underscores the need for improvements in alarm systems, emphasizing that watchkeepers must be able to respond promptly to alarms for ship safety. While a return to legacy operational structures is not advocated, the research highlights that the saturation of alarms can be counterproductive, likening it to an ‘overdose’ that needs better control. More effective alarm systems would enhance decision-making and safety during voyages.
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.
