Public Address System for Ships: Critical Communication at Sea

A Public Address System (PA System) is one of the most vital communication infrastructures onboard any vessel. It ensures timely and effective dissemination of information, instructions, alerts, and warnings to all onboard personnel during routine operations and emergency situations.

At Serden Ship Supply Marine Electric & Electronics Ltd., we offer full design, installation, testing, and maintenance of marine-grade PA Systems for all vessel types. Our solutions are built to comply with IMO, SOLAS, and class society requirements, and provide clear, redundant, and fail-safe audio communication across all areas of the ship.

 What Is a Public Address System?

A PA System is an electronic sound amplification and distribution system used to address crew and passengers throughout the ship. It is often integrated with the ship’s General Alarm System and Emergency Communication Systems, forming a core part of the vessel's Safety Management System (SMS).

Key components include:

• Microphone stations

• Amplifiers (main and backup)

• Zone selectors

• Loudspeakers

• Emergency battery backup

• Interface with fire and general alarms

 Where Is It Used?

PA Systems are deployed throughout the vessel, including:

• Bridge and wheelhouse

• Engine control room (ECR)

• Accommodation areas

• Crew cabins and corridors

• Machinery spaces

• Deck and cargo handling areas

• Muster stations and lifeboat stations

• Passenger lounges and public areas (on cruise/ferry ships)

 Our Public Address System Services

1. System Design & Engineering

• Zone planning and speaker layout

• Coverage analysis and speaker type selection

• Acoustic simulation and intelligibility (STI) modeling

• Redundancy and fail-safe system design

• Class society compliance documentation

2. Installation Services

• Cabling and trunking for audio distribution

• Mounting of weatherproof and explosion-proof speakers (as needed)

• Control console setup on the bridge and ECR

• Power amplifier rack installation

• Battery backup system for emergency operation

• Interface with fire alarm and general alarm systems

3. Integration with Other Systems

• Fire Detection and Alarm System (FDAS)

• General Alarm & Emergency Signals

• Telephone and Intercom System

• BNWAS and Muster Station Announcements

• Public Information Broadcasts for passenger ships

4. Commissioning & Testing

• Zone-by-zone sound level testing

• Alarm tone and live speech broadcast simulation

• System failover and backup power tests

• Intelligibility checks (voice clarity tests)

• Crew training on usage and routine checks

• Class approval witnessing (DNV, BV, ABS, LR, RINA)

 System Features

• Clear voice announcements with high intelligibility

• Pre-recorded emergency messages and tone signals

• Zoning for targeted or ship-wide broadcasts

• Automatic priority override (e.g., emergency over general messages)

• Battery-backed operation during power loss

• Remote and local microphone stations

• Message recording/playback function (optional)

• Integration with IP-based systems and monitoring

 Equipment & Brands We Work With

We work with leading marine audio communication equipment brands, including:

• Zenitel / Vingtor-Stentofon

• Bosch Praesideo

• Phontech

• TOA

• Peiker

• Alphatron

• Jotron

• Praesensa

• Raytheon Anschütz

• Custom OEM-specified solutions

All equipment is selected for:

• High resistance to salt spray, vibration, and humidity

• Compliance with marine standards (IEC 60945, IEC 60533)

• Class type-approval and MED/CE certification

 Typical Use Scenarios

• Routine Communications: Day-to-day instructions, shift changes, meal announcements

• Emergency Alerts: Fire, flooding, abandon ship, security threats

• Evacuation Commands: Directing crew/passengers to muster stations

• Drill Coordination: During fire, man overboard, or security drills

• Passenger Information: (For ferries and cruise ships) safety info, entertainment, docking info

 Compliance and Standards

Our PA System installations are in full compliance with:

• SOLAS Chapter II-1 & III

• IMO Resolution A.1021(26)

• IMO MSC.1/Circ.1369 – Guidelines for Onboard Operational Training

• ISM Code communication requirements

• IEC 60092, IEC 60533, IEC 60945, EN 54-16 (as applicable)

• Classification societies (ABS, DNV, LR, BV, ClassNK)

 Retrofit and Upgrade Services

We offer full PA System retrofit services for older vessels:

• Replacement of outdated amplifiers and speakers

• Integration with modern IP-based systems

• Improved speech intelligibility with DSP tuning

• Expansion of speaker zones

• Interface with new alarm/fire systems

 Training & Documentation

After installation, we provide:

• Crew training on operational usage

• Emergency use procedures and drills

• Maintenance and troubleshooting manuals

• Wiring diagrams and part lists

• Log sheets and annual test templates

• Remote assistance and maintenance packages

 24/7 Global Service

Our engineers are available worldwide to install or repair Public Address Systems in shipyards, ports, and during voyages. We also offer annual service contracts, emergency breakdown repair, and remote diagnostics.

 Why Serden for PA System Installation?

•  30+ years of marine systems expertise

•  Turnkey PA system design and execution

•  Integration with your ship's existing alarm and control systems

•  Certified for all major class and flag states

•  High-reliability components with long service life

•  Available worldwide with 24/7 support

 Ensure Clear and Reliable Shipboard Communication

Whether it's a calm day at sea or an emergency, your crew needs to hear and understand critical instructions. Let Serden Ship Supply deliver a PA System that speaks clearly when it matters most.