What type of warning mechanism is required to alert the operator in case of a system failure?

The requirement for a visible and/or audible alarm from the helm station is essential for ensuring the operator is immediately aware of any system failure. This mechanism serves as a primary means of communication about critical operational statuses, allowing the operator to react swiftly in emergency situations.

Visible alarms, such as warning lights or indicators, provide a quick visual reference that can be seen easily even in busy or stressful conditions. Simultaneously, audible alarms offer an unmistakable alert that captures the operator's attention, which is particularly important in noisy environments typical of marine vessels.

This dual approach enhances safety by ensuring that notifications are wide-reaching and cannot be easily overlooked, thereby increasing the likelihood of timely operator intervention. By demanding both visible and audible alarms from the helm station, safety regulations aim to minimize the risk of catastrophic failures due to unnoticed alerts.

Other options, while beneficial, may not fulfill the requirement of providing immediate and comprehensive alerts in real-time for the operator’s situational awareness. For instance, visual warning lights alone may not sufficiently draw attention in all circumstances, and relying solely on a text notification on a display monitor could result in delays if the operator’s focus is not directly on the screen.