Directive 2009/45/EC of the European Parliament and of the CouncilShow full title

NEW AND EXISTING CLASS B, C AND D SHIPS:

Every ship shall be provided with:

.1 A general emergency alarm system (R 6.4.2)

It must comply with the requirements of paragraph 7.2.1.1 of the LSA Code, and be suitable for summoning passengers and crews to assembly stations and to initiate the actions included in the assembly list.

In all ships carrying more than 36 passengers the emergency alarm system shall be supplemented by a public address system that can be used from the bridge. The system shall be of a such nature and so arranged and located that messages read out over the system are readily audible for persons whose hearing is normal, in all places where persons are likely to stay when the main engine is in operation.

FOR NEW CLASS B, C AND D SHIPS CONSTRUCTED ON OR AFTER 1 JANUARY 2003:

The general emergency alarm systems shall be audible on all open decks and minimum sound pressure levels for the emergency alarm tone shall be in accordance with paragraphs 7.2.1.2 and 7.2.1.3 of the LSA Code.

.2 A public address system (R 6.5)

.2.1 In addition to the requirements of Regulation II-2/B/15.4 and of paragraph .1, all passenger ships carrying more than 36 passengers shall be fitted with a public address system. With respect to existing ships the requirements of paragraphs .2.2, .2.3 and .2.5, subject to the provisions of paragraph .2.6, shall apply not later than the date of the first periodical survey after 1 July 1998.

.2.2 The public address system shall be a loudspeaker installation enabling the broadcast of messages into all spaces where crew members or passengers, or both, are normally present, and to assembly stations. It shall allow for the broadcast of messages from the navigation bridge and such other places on board the ship as the Administration of the flag State deems necessary. It shall be installed with regard to acoustically marginal conditions and not require any action from the addressee.

.2.3 The public address system shall be protected against unauthorised use and be clearly audible above the ambient noise in all spaces, prescribed by paragraph .2.2, and shall be provided with an override function controlled from one location on the navigation bridge and such other places on board as the Administration of the flag State deems necessary, so that all emergency messages will be broadcast if any loudspeaker in the spaces concerned has been switched off, its volume has been turned down or the public address system is used for other purposes.

FOR NEW CLASS B, C AND D SHIPS CONSTRUCTED ON OR AFTER 1 JANUARY 2003:

The minimum sound pressure levels for broadcasting emergency announcements shall be in accordance with paragraph 7.2.2.2 of the LSA Code.

.2.4 NEW CLASS B, C AND D SHIPS:

.1 The public address system shall have at least two loops which shall be sufficiently separated throughout their length and have two separate and independent amplifiers; and

.2 the public address system and its performance standards shall be approved by the Administration of the flag State having regard to the recommendations adopted by the IMO.

.2.5 The public address system shall be connected to the emergency source of electrical power.

.2.6 Existing ships which are already fitted with the public address system approved by the Administration of the flag State which comply substantially with those required by paragraph .2.2, .2.3 and .2.5 are not required to change their system.

.3 Assembly list and emergency instructions (R 8)

Clear instructions to be followed in the event of an emergency shall be provided for every person on board, in accordance with IMO Resolution A.691 (17).

Assembly lists and emergency instructions complying with the requirements of SOLAS Regulation III/37 shall be exhibited in conspicuous places throughout the ship including the navigating bridge, engine room and crew accommodation spaces.

Illustrations and instructions in appropriate languages shall be posted in passenger cabins and be conspicuously displayed at assembly stations and other passenger spaces to inform passengers of:

(i)

their assembly station;

(ii)

the essential actions they must take in an emergency;

(iii)

the method of donning life jackets.

The person, who in accordance to SOLAS Regulation IV/16, is designated to have primary responsibility for radio-communications during distress situations, shall have no other duties assigned in such situations. The above shall be reflected in the assembly list and the emergency instructions.

.4 Operating instructions (R 9)

Posters or signs shall be provided on or in the vicinity of survival craft and their launching controls and shall:

(i)

illustrate the purpose of controls and the procedures for operating the appliance and give relevant instructions or warnings;

(ii)

be easily seen under emergency lighting conditions;

(iii)

use symbols in accordance with IMO Resolution A.760 (18).

.5 Training manual

A training manual complying with the requirements of SOLAS Regulation III/35 shall be provided in each crew messroom and recreation room or in each crew cabin.

.6 Instruction for maintenance (R 20.3)

Instructions for on-board maintenance of life-saving appliances or a shipboard planned maintenance programmes which includes the maintenance of life-saving appliances, shall be provided on board and maintenance shall be carried out accordingly. The instructions shall be in compliance with the requirements of SOLAS Regulation III/36.