A data collection exercise conducted by the International Maritime Pilots’ Association (IMPA) gathered 632 survey responses from maritime pilots regarding bridge alert management during pilotage operations. The findings indicate that the current technical and operational approach to bridge alert management is incompatible with the functional requirements of SOLAS and does not support effective human alert response.
Most respondents reported that the majority of alerts were unnecessary, frequently silenced without action, and often unrelated to pilotage activities. The survey also found that navigation equipment and company navigation policies contributed significantly to excessive alert volumes, leading to increased workload and assigning crew members solely to silence alerts.
This will be discussed at IMO during the Navigation, Communications and Search & Rescue sub-committee starting on 22nd June 2026. IMPA intends to submit a proposal to MSC 112 to address the identified safety issue.