5.1 In addition to the requirements of regulation
II-2/40.5footnote or regulation II-2/41.2footnote, as appropriate, and of paragraph 4.2, all passenger
ships shall be fitted with a public address system. With respect to
passenger ships constructed before 1 July 1997 the requirements of
paragraphs 5.2 and 5.4, subject to the provisions of paragraph 5.5,
shall apply not later than the date of the first periodical survey
after 1 July 1997.
5.2 The public address system shall be clearly
audible above the ambient noise in all spaces, prescribed by paragraph 7.2.2.1 of the Code, and shall be
provided with an override function controlled from one location on
the navigation bridge and such other places on board as the Administration
deems necessary, so that all emergency messages will be broadcast
if any loudspeaker in the spaces concerned has been switched off,
its volume has been turned down or the public address system is used
for other purposes.
5.3 On passenger ships constructed on or after
1 July 1997:
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.1 the public address system shall have at least
two loops which shall be sufficiently separated throughout their length
and have two separate and independent amplifiers; and
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.2 the public address system and its performance
standards shall be approved by the Administration having regard to
the recommendations adopted by the Organization.footnote
5.4 The public address system shall be connected
to the emergency source of electrical power required by regulation II-1/42.2.2.
5.5 Ships constructed before 1 July 1997 which
are already fitted with the public address system approved by the
Administration which complies substantially with those required by
sections 5.2 and 5.4 and paragraph 7.2.2.1 of
the Code are not required to change their system.