'Alarm Management in the Maritime Industry' Report Investigates Maritime Engineering Practices' Impact on Operator Fatigue

Summary

The maritime industry has adopted Computer Based Systems (CBSs) at an accelerating rate since the 1960s. From basic automation, maritime CBSs have evolved to become integrated multi-modal management platforms, handling monitoring, control and alarm management from practically all systems on board a modern ship.

As a result, ships can sail with a reduced number of watchkeepers, with some ship types having a single engine control room watchkeeper monitoring and controlling all operational systems on the ship from a single pane of glass.With upward of 60-80 systems monitored through the ship's integrated alarm monitoring and control system, watchkeepers' responsibilities are growing proportionally with the number of alarms they need to manage. Poorly engineered solutions, overloaded watchkeepers and alarm floods have contributed to several maritime incidents over the years.

Prompted by these incidents, Lloyd's Register set out to investigate the state of alarm implementation on ships to understand if current maritime engineering practices are sufficiently stringent in reducing operator fatigue due to alarm overload. After analyzing the opinions and experiences of more than 65 watchkeepers on 15 high-performing ships, managed by 10 of some of the world's largest shipping companies in nearly all ship segments, the resulting report shows room for improvement!

With the increasing importance of cyber-security in maritime CBSs for operation and safety, alarm overload is a serious concern. It warrants a thorough review and overhaul of regulatory requirements regarding engineering practices.

Interested parties can read the full 182 page report here or read a 24-page summary here.

About Lloyd's Register 

Lloyd's Register is a leading provider of classification and compliance services to the marine and offshore industries, helping clients design, construct, operate, extend and decommission their assets safely and in line with environmental expectations.