SOLAS Regulations on On-board Communications & Alarm Systems

            This Regulation comes under SOLAS Chapter III, Part B - Requirements for ships and life-saving appliances, Section I - Passenger Ships and Cargo Ships, Regulation 6 - Communications.

• An emergency means comprised of either fixed or portable equipment or both shall be provided for two-way communications between emergency control stations, muster and embarkation stations and strategic positions on board.

• A general emergency alarm system shall be provided and shall be used for summoning passengers and crew to muster stations and to initiate the actions included in the muster list. 

• The system shall be supplemented by either a public address system or other suitable means of communication. 

• Entertainment sound systems shall automatically be turned off when the general emergency alarm system is activated. 

• The general emergency alarm system shall be audible throughout all the accommodation and normal crew working spaces. 

• On passenger ships, the system shall also be audible on all open decks. 

• On ships fitted with a marine evacuation system communication between the embarkation station and the platform or the survival craft shall be ensured. 

Reference: IMO Publications & Documents - International Conventions - SOLAS - Chapter III - Life-saving appliances and arrangements.