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.
Operational Explanation
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.
Regulatory Reference
SOLAS II-1 Part E, approved automation design, class notation, PMS, SMS and standing orders.
SOLAS II-1/51 distinguishes machinery control alarms, connections to engineers’ accommodation and bridge alerts requiring the watch officer’s attention. If an alarm receives no local attention within the prescribed time, the engineers’ alarm activates. Verify routing, standby power and response against the approved arrangement. SOLAS II-1/51.
UMS means periodically unattended machinery space: personnel on call and response to abnormalities must remain available. Record entry to and exit from the mode under the SMS and standing orders; acknowledging an alarm does not mean the fault has been removed. SOLAS II-1 Part E.
For DNV, the 2025 survey reorganisation moved some E0/AUT checks into main class without changing technical requirements. Consult the ship’s current survey status: a reduced E0 entry does not establish that a check has been removed. DNV: Fleet-in-Service rules 2025.
SOLAS II-1/46.3 requires documentary evidence of UMS fitness to the satisfaction of the Administration. For passenger ships, II-1/54 requires specific consideration by the Administration of whether periodically unattended operation is acceptable and whether additional requirements are needed: the class notation alone does not complete this assessment. UK MSN 1907, section 48.3 — UMS; UK MSN 1907, section 56 — passenger ships.
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
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
Related Topics
Last substantive revision of this page: 16 September 2026 · page fingerprint 3d560aa7e146