How Does a Marine Telephone Ensure Safety on Ships?

Dubai’s busy sea lanes demand reliable ship-to-crew comms. A marine telephone keeps critical links alive even if power fades or zones are hazardous. As of January 2026, internal ship telephones remain a core safety asset, complementing satellite and radio systems.

TL; DR / Key Takeaways

•  Best marine telephones provide reliable, shipboard voice communication that stays functional in power loss or hazardous areas, essential for safety and operations.
• Common Battery Telephones (CBT) powered by 24V DC are a core solution for Dubai/UAE vessels, offering intrinsically safe, weatherproof designs and various master/slave configurations.
• Different types exist: MAT, CBT and SPT; each serves distinct safety and emergency needs.
• Regional suppliers like Al Ghwasa offer UAE-focused support and installation for CBT systems (e.g., ODC models) with local service across the Middle East and Asia.
• Compliance with SOLAS/GMDSS and integration with ship safety procedures is key when selecting a marine telephone system.

1-sentence topic definition

A marine telephone is a rugged, shipboard voice communication device designed to deliver reliable links between crew stations in harsh environments, including hazardous areas and power outages.

Introduction

In Dubai’s demanding marine environment, a dependable telecommunication link is a safety anchor. A marine telephone does the bridge to engine room and ship-to-ship calls that crews rely on during routine work and emergencies. This article focuses on CBT, MAT and SPT and why UAE operators trust Al Ghwasa for installation and service.

What are the main types of marine telephones?

Marine telephones come in three main flavors.
MAT (Marine Auto Telephone) auto-connects lines across the ship.
CBT (Common Battery Telephone) uses a 24V DC supply with a back-up, ideal for power outages.
SPT (Sound Powered Telephone) relies on manual sound-powered lines and no electrical power. Each type is typically powered, installed and used differently on board.

Key trade-offs include power dependence, ruggedness, and suitability for hazardous areas. CBT wins on reliability and safety in many engine rooms and hazardous zones. MAT provides flexible, networked calls, while SPT delivers simple, robust fail-safe voice in power-failure scenarios.

How do marine telephones ensure safety on ships?

Safety starts with power independence. CBT systems often include UPS backups to stay alive during outages. Intrinsically safe designs prevent ignition in hazardous zones. Weatherproof and explosion-proof housings guard against salt spray and shocks. Compared with consumer cell phones or some radios, dedicated ship telephones offer consistent, controllable performance. SOLAS and GMDSS frameworks guide where internal telephones fit in the overall safety architecture.

Tip: Verify a model’s intrinsic safety rating and enclosure protection as part of the procurement checklist.

Deep dive into Common Battery Telephones (CBT)

CBT is a popular choice for many vessels. Core features to look for include a 24V DC power supply with UPS, intrinsically safe certification and weatherproof or explosion-proof housings. Audio clarity and hands-free options matter for noisy engine rooms. Flexible configurations span 1:1, 1:2, 1:3 master telephones and multi-link capabilities. Examples you’ll see on UAE pages include model numbers such as ODC-2180-1, ODC-2310-1, and ODC-2381-1. CBT modules integrate with ship electronics via bridge relays or PABX-like interfaces where applicable.

Industry note: 24V CBT systems align with standard ship power layouts and offer predictable behavior during blackouts, improving crew coordination in emergencies.

Real-life use case

A Dubai based cargo container vessel uses CBT for bridge to engine room calls during routine operations and power events. The 24V DC unit with UPS keeps lines open when main power drops, enabling quick engine-room responses and safer maneuvering. The on-site team, including Al Ghwasa technicians, plans, installs and trains crew to ensure smooth handoffs during shifts and emergencies.

Outcome: Less downtime, faster emergency reactions and clearer crew coordination when it matters most.

Installation, maintenance and best practices in Dubai/UAE

Prepare for 24V DC supply with a reliable UPS backup. Choose enclosures with corrosion resistance and explosion-proof ratings for harsh seas. Plan for relay boxes or bridge interconnects to suit existing networks. Maintenance routines include regular seal checks, audio tests, and battery life reviews. Local UAE service coverage, warranty and spare parts support are critical factors to look for a regional partner like Al Ghwasa.

Regulatory and procurement guidance

SOLAS and IMO rules shape telecommunication requirements aboard ships. GMDSS integration plans should consider internal telephones as complementary to radio systems. When selecting suppliers in Dubai, evaluate certifications, service networks, lead times and after-sales support. A regional partner improves compliance and speed of deployment.

Why choose Al Ghwasa for marine telephone solutions in Dubai/UAE

Al Ghwasa provides UAE-focused CBT offerings, including the ODC models powered by 24V DC. Intrinsically safe, weatherproof CBT designs are tailored for harsh environments. The UAE service footprint and authorized agency status ensure on site installation, testing, and training. Ongoing maintenance and support help vessels meet SOLAS/GMDSS expectations with practical, cost-effective solutions.

Buying guide how to pick the right marine telephone for your ship

Ask suppliers about CBT specifics: 24V DC power, UPS, safety certifications and enclosure ratings. Compare audio quality, expandability, and master/slave configurations. CBT is typically the best fit for hazardous zones MAT or SPT may suit smaller or non-hazardous areas.

Procurement steps in the UAE usually include site survey, system design, installation window, testing, and crew training. Expect local partner involvement for faster lead times and hands-on support.

Glossary

• Common Battery Telephone (CBT)
• Marine Auto Telephone (MAT)
• Sound Powered Telephone (SPT)
• Intrinsically Safe
• Explosion-Proof
• PABX
• GMDSS
• SOLAS

FAQ

What is a marine telephone?
A rugged shipboard voice link, often CBT, designed for harsh environments.

What are MAT, CBT, and SPT?
MAT connects lines across the ship; CBT uses 24V DC with UPS; SPT relies on manual sound-powered lines.

Why 24V DC CBT?
It aligns with ship power and stays safe in hazardous zones.

How does CBT fit with ship safety?
It complements radios and GMDSS within SOLAS frameworks.

Maintenance needs?
Regular inspections, audio checks and battery life reviews.