98039 The Mobile Phone Dilemma
The Mobile Phone Dilemma
Report No. 98039
Ludicrous as it may seem that a mobile phone may affect a ship's control systems, this is taken very seriously indeed by a number of Scandinavian Companies. I noted on a Finnish Ice Breaker and multi-service vessel, that a notice from the Finnish Maritime administration is posted at the door of the bridge, and another at the door of the control room, banning mobile phones. The notice reads as follows
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USE OF MOBILE PHONES ON BOARD SHIP
There have been reports of incidents when mobile phones have interfered with electronic installations on board and endangered the safety of ships. Consequently, shipmasters are urged to issue instructions to crew members and guests on board. These instructions shall prohibit the use of mobile phones on the bridge, the control stations, the engine room, the equipment room and other spaces fitted with electronic installations affecting the operation of the ship. In these spaces mobile phones have to be switched off. The prohibition does not concern fixed mobile phones, the antennas of which are mounted above the said spaces. The Traffic Department will shortly issue detailed instructions on the use of mobile phones on board. These instructions will be appended to the relevant safety manuals. |