Disabled audible alarm on fire alarm panel
What happened
During routine testing of the fire alarm, it was observed that the Fire Alarm panel was not emitting an audible alarm – there was only a flashing light present. The Chief Engineer together with the ETO inspected the fire alarm panel and found that a cable had been disconnected from the panel.
Causes
How the cable came to be disconnected could not be determined. There was no proper testing of the fire alarm system, nor any oversight or recording of maintenance.
Members may wish to check fire alarm panels any similar alarm equipment or warning systems to verify that all alarms audible and visual are functioning.
Members may wish to refer to
- Incorrect information in user manual for fixed fire-fighting system
- Listing of crew boat due to water ingress [The bilge alarm signal was only a flashing light and not an audible sound alarm]
- Grounding and flooding of ferry – complacency [audible alarm was disabled in the electronic navigation system]
- U.S Coast Guard: Be alarmed by all alarms
Safety Event
Published: 23 February 2021
Download: 
IMCA SF 06/21
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