IMarEST intervenes at IMO Ship Design and Construction meeting
Speaking about the IMarEST's intervention at the IMO this week, Alasdair Wishart, technical and policy director at the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) said:
“This week, the IMarEST lodged an intervention at an IMO Ship Design and Construction meeting to call for dedicated performance standards for engine room alarm systems. As the global body representing marine engineers, we believe tailored standards are essential to protect those working in increasingly complex engine rooms.
“The IMO is currently considering whether the new standard could sit within the existing Bridge Alert Management standard. However, the operational needs of bridge teams and engineering teams are fundamentally different. We believe combining the standards will risk introducing new hazards for our seafarers, especially as vessels become more complex due to automation.
“To combat this risk, we are urging the IMO to develop standalone standards using the IEC 62682 framework, which already provides a lifecycle approach to alarm systems.The IMarEST stands ready to support this important work to ensure better and safer working conditions for our members.”