99020 Distraction to OOW by False Alerts

Distraction to OOW by False Alerts
Report No. 99020

It may well be that the GMDSS system will improve Search and Rescue operations but, by the very nature of the single console equipment installation on the bridge, the safe performance of the navigational watch is impaired. Growing concern is being voiced by seafarers and shore organisations at the effect on the integrity of the bridge watch by the increasing number of false alarms from the system. Many of these are attributed to incorrect operation of the equipment by unskilled persons. The frequency of alarms can cause two things to happen:

1 The OOW will switch off the device because he is unable to perform his primary function properly.

2 The false alarms will distract him from his primary duties.

Many watchkeepers are concerned that the GMDSS system was introduced with little consultation involving practising seafaring staff and the manner of its installation. Many ships are now sailing with unsafe one man bridge watchkeeping routine - a six hour watch being accepted as the norm - because shipowners claim that they cannot afford an extra officer or have ratings on lookout, even at night. Not only must the OOW perform his primary function of safe navigation, he must listen to the GMDSS alerts and attend to radio and telex correspondence either on watch or do this work in his rest period which means he is getting insufficient rest.