At which times is testing of the ship's alarms not authorized?

Testing of the ship's alarms is restricted during specific times to ensure safety and operational integrity. While pulling in or out of port is a critical time for navigation and maneuvering, testing alarms could create confusion or distraction among the crew, who need to be focused on their tasks. This is especially important because external conditions can be volatile during these operations, requiring the crew to pay careful attention to their surroundings and communicate effectively.

In contrast, other scenarios, such as drills or designated quiet hours, have their own regulations and contexts where testing might be permitted, but they usually involve considerations of the training environment or are done outside of sensitive operations. The rationale is to maintain a clear operational protocol and avoid potential hazards that could arise from testing alarms when the crew’s focus is already divided between navigation and docking procedures.