PRAESENSA Public Address and General Alarm is now certified to MED/1.44a

MED/1.44a is a detailed requirement under the European Union’s Marine Equipment Directive (Directive 2014/90/EU), implemented via Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/1157, and updated further under recent regulations. MED/1.44a covers the control and distribution part of Public Address and General Alarm (PA/GA) systems, meaning the system components that manage and distribute audio signals, public announcements, and general alarm messages.

PRAESENSA is compatible with MED certified loudspeakers which are handled separately under MED/1.44b. When PA/GA systems are used as fire alarm devices, additional standards such as MED/3.53 may also apply. The MED/1.44a requirement is relevant for a wide range of ships, including cargo ships and passenger ships, both with and without “Safe Return to Port” capability, and applies to general alarm systems, public address systems, or combined PA/GA systems.

MED1.44a compliance is not optional, only PA/GA systems with a valid MED certificate can be legally placed on EU-flagged ships. Without it, the system cannot be accepted during inspections or class surveys. In addition compliance with MED/1.44a is also relevant for system integrators and consultants who specify, design, or install PA/GA systems on EU-flagged vessels or on vessels where MED is required as they must ensure conformity as well.

For customers already using the PRAESENSA Public Address and General Alarm system, as well as those considering it, MED/1.44a compliance can be enabled through the purchase of a license. To meet the MED/1.44a standard, PRAESENSA must run software version 2.40 or later, as this version has been validated for the required features and performance tests. We have obtained the necessary type approvals and quality assurance, ensuring that PRAESENSA systems configured correctly can carry the ‘Wheelmark’ and associated declarations of conformity. Consultants and integrators are responsible to conform to MED/1.44a and we provide the supporting documentation and certificates.

Choosing a system certified to MED/1.44a brings clear benefits. It ensures full regulatory compliance, helping you avoid delays or rejections during inspections and surveys, while providing the assurance that communication systems will perform reliably in emergencies. For consultants and integrators specialized in maritime projects, specifying a certified solution like PRAESENSA saves time, reduces risk, and strengthens proposals for maritime projects. At the same time, it represents a future-proof investment, as the system is already aligned with the latest regulatory updates and prepared for evolving requirements.

With PRAESENSA, the standard in IP-based Public Address and General Alarm systems, we provide a PA/GA solution offering unmatched quality, longevity, security, and reliability. We will continue to provide regular updates, upgrades, and new product introductions throughout the system's lifetime to keep it up-to-date, future-proof, and state-of-the-art. Consult with your local Bosch Public Address representative for more information.

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