Operational guide · Safety & equipment

Integrated Automation Systems and Unmanned Machinery Space (UMS)

Before UMS, complete the approved-procedure checks and confirm no defect, isolation, inhibition or alarm invalidates unattended operation; alarm/call/safety tests follow approved methods and intervals.

UMSautomationSOLAS II-1periodically unattended machinery space

Operational Explanation

Regulatory Reference

SOLAS II-1 Part E, approved automation design, class notation, PMS, SMS and standing orders.

Scope of Application

Periodically unattended machinery spaces under the approved arrangement; engineers' alarm reaches designated engineer(s), not necessarily always the Chief Engineer.

Procedure / How to Complete It

Complete approved-procedure pre-UMS checks.
Check defects, isolations, inhibited alarms and outstanding work.
Test alarm/call/shutdown only at approved interval and method.
Confirm designated engineer(s), communications and response readiness.
Suspend UMS when an essential function is unavailable.

Practical Example

An alarm channel is isolated: the ship does not enter UMS until the approved procedure permits a compensating arrangement or the defect is corrected.

What Typically Goes Wrong

Imposing a daily full alarm/shutdown test or hard-coding a call to the Chief Engineer for every arrangement.

Common Mistakes Mistake Library

Mistake	Consequence	How to Avoid It
Imposing a daily full alarm/shutdown test or hard-coding a call to the Chief Engineer for every arrangement.	Non-compliant decision or treatment	Follow the approved arrangement and applicable sources

What the PSCO Checks

Evidence of the approved arrangement, procedures, records, competence, defect management and consistency with statutory/class/maker requirements.

Operational Tips

Separate current requirement, class/maker, SMS and voluntary guidance.
Do not improvise tests, thresholds or intervals.
Record deviations and corrective action.

Preparation checklist

Approved UMS checklist
No invalidating defect/isolation
Designated engineer reached
Tests controlled
UMS suspended when required

FAQ

Are all alarms tested daily?

Not as a universal rule; follow approved intervals and method.

Must the call always reach the Chief Engineer?

It reaches the engineer(s) designated by the ship's arrangement.

Integrated Automation Systems and Unmanned Machinery Space (UMS)

Operational Explanation

Regulatory Reference

Scope of Application

Procedure / How to Complete It

Practical Example

What Typically Goes Wrong

Common Mistakes Mistake Library

What the PSCO Checks

Operational Tips

Preparation checklist

FAQ

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