QUESTION 10.3.5

Machinery-alarm system integrity

Oil, Chemical, LPG, LNGInterview - Deck Officer, Interview - Engineer Officer, Bridge, Engine Control Room

What is being checked

The inspector is checking whether machinery alarms provide prompt, identifiable warning at the control position, duty engineer and bridge where required, without uncontrolled inhibition or chronic nuisance alarms.

Ready onboard

0/6 complete

ALARM LISTThe current alarm list and cause-and-effect information match the installed system.FUNCTION TESTTests verify field sensor, logic, audible and visual indication, acknowledgement and remote transfer.PRIORITYCritical alarms are identifiable and receive the response defined by standing orders.INHIBITIONSShelved, suppressed or isolated alarms are authorised, logged, reviewed and restored.HISTORYAlarm history is available and recurrent or standing alarms are investigated.POWERNormal and backup supplies, panel failure alarms and communication links are monitored.

Practice questions

Answer aloud, then open the preparation point.

1What is the difference between acknowledge and reset?

Acknowledgement silences or accepts the alert; reset is only appropriate after the initiating condition has cleared.

2Show all currently inhibited alarms.

Use the system list and isolation record, then explain authorisation, risk control and restoration date for each.

3How do you test a critical alarm?

Stimulate the field condition or approved test input and verify the complete indication and call path.

4What does a standing nuisance alarm indicate?

It is an unresolved defect or poor set-up that can mask new alarms and requires correction, not routine acceptance.

5Which alarms reach the bridge during UMS?

Identify the approved summary or individual signals and the response expected from the bridge team.

Where an observation may arise

STANDING ALARM

A persistent alarm is accepted without repair or formal control.

HIDDEN INHIBITION

An alarm is suppressed or bypassed without authorisation and handover.

LAMP TEST ONLY

Testing does not prove the field sensor and full signal path.

HISTORY IGNORED

Recurring alarms show deterioration without investigation.

REMOTE FAILURE

Required duty-engineer or bridge transfer is defective.

Master's practical note

Review the active inhibition list and the busiest alarm period. Alarm-system condition is exposed by what has been silenced, repeated or normalised, not by a clean panel during inspection.

Equipment boundary and references

Equipment boundary: Alarm architecture and bridge transfer vary with class notation and automation design. Avoid unsafe trip tests; use approved simulations where necessary.

References

OCIMF SIRE 2.0 Question Library Part 2, Version 1.0, Question 10.3.5
SOLAS Chapter II-1 Part E
IMO Code on Alerts and Indicators
IEC 60092-504

Last reviewed: 2026-09-10