Code on Alerts and Indicators - 2010 Edition (IB867E)

This Code updates, revises and replaces the Code on Alarms and Indicators, 1995. It includes definitions of key alarm terminology and guides readers on the use of light and audible presentations of alerts. The functions, IMO instruments and assessments of various alarm types are given in table format, making the book a useful reference document.

Taking into account changing technology and the continuing evolution of IMO instruments, the Code on Alerts and Indicators, 2009, was developed in accordance with a decision taken by the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) at its seventy-ninth session. In December 2009, it was adopted by the Assembly at its twenty-sixth session by Resolution A.1021(26).

The Code is intended to provide general design guidance and to promote uniformity of type, location and priority for those alerts and indicators required by various IMO instruments and will benefit designers and operators by consolidating in one document the references to priorities, aggregation, grouping, locations and types, including colours and symbols, of shipboard alerts and indicators.

The Code succeeds the Code on Alarms and Indicators, 1995, adopted by Resolution A.830(19) in November 1995, which in turn succeeded the Code on Alarms and Indicators adopted by Resolution A.686(17) in November 1991.

1 Purpose and scope

2 Application

3 Definitions

4 General

5 Audible presentation of alerts and calls

6 Visual presentation of indicators and calls

7 Characteristics

8 Requirements for particular alarms

9 Grouping and aggregation of alerts and indicators

10 Alert and indicator locations

11 References

As a specialized agency of the United Nations, IMO is the global standard setting authority for the safety, security and environmental performance of international shipping. Its main role is to create a regulatory framework for the shipping industry that is fair and effective, universally adopted and universally implemented.

In other words, its role is to create a level playing field so that ship operators cannot address their financial issues by simply cutting corners and compromising on safety, security and environmental performance. This approach also encourages innovation and efficiency.

Shipping is a truly international industry, and it can only operate effectively if the regulations and standards are themselves agreed, adopted and implemented on an international basis. And IMO is the forum at which this process takes place.