Alarm & power-fail tests: what SIRE 2.0 inspectors ask and find
Inspectors ask to see power-failure tests for bridge equipment and compare the dates with the planned maintenance system.
Do this before the inspector arrives: Run ECDIS UPS, VDR, BNWAS and nav lights power-fail tests.
What the inspector wants to see
- Power-failure test records for ECDIS UPS, VDR, BNWAS and nav lights
- Dates that match the PMS
Questions inspectors ask about Alarm & power-fail tests
Why should BNWAS not be left in 'auto' mode?
Per MSC.128(75), auto mode activates BNWAS only when autopilot/track control is in use; it is inhibited the rest of the time.
Which BNWAS tests are expected before departure?
2nd and 3rd stage alarms, dormant period, and emergency power - stages 1-3 tested on both main and secondary power, with records.
What is the BNWAS dormant period, and how do the alarm stages follow?
Dormant period 3-12 min. Then 15 s to 2nd stage, then 90 s to 3rd stage (up to 3 min on large ships). Stages 2 and 3 may be combined except on passenger ships.
What timing accuracy is required for BNWAS, and who may change its mode?
5% or 5 s, whichever is less. Mode and dormant period controls should be security protected, Master only.
Do you have a risk assessment for managing AMS alarms?
Inspectors asked for one.
If a machinery alarm is not acknowledged, when must the engineers' alarm sound?
Within 5 minutes. A new alarm while the first is still active must also be announced.
There are 11 Alarm & power-fail tests questions in NilObs, with spaced repetition so the ones you miss come back. Practise them free.
Real Alarm & power-fail tests observations, and how to avoid them
Operator procedure required only the BNWAS power failure alarm test, not a check of all three alarm stages on the secondary power supply.
Avoid it: When testing power changeover, confirm the BNWAS runs through all alarm stages on secondary supply.
Who answers for Alarm & power-fail tests
Second Officer, Chief Engineer, Second Engineer, Electro-Technical Officer. NilObs picks the questions and the daily drill for your role.
Rehearse Alarm & power-fail tests before your next inspection.
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