During what circumstance are alarms regularly tested?

Alarms are regularly tested during drills to ensure that all personnel are familiar with the alarm system and understand their responsibilities during an emergency situation. Drills provide an opportunity to assess the functionality of the alarms in a controlled environment, allowing the crew to react appropriately in a real emergency. Regular testing during drills helps identify any potential issues with the alarm systems, ensuring that they are operational and effective when needed.

While maintenance checks are important for the upkeep of systems and may involve testing alarms, regular testing specifically tied to crew readiness happens during drills. Testing alarms only at specific times, such as during sea and anchor detail or only when there is a concern, does not ensure consistent readiness and may leave the crew unprepared for an actual emergency.