What does the presence of a general alarm indicate in a maritime context?

In a maritime context, the presence of a general alarm signals an urgent emergency that requires immediate attention and action from all crew members. Such alarms are designed to ensure a rapid response to critical situations, which may include fires, man overboard incidents, or other life-threatening emergencies. When the general alarm sounds, it alerts everyone on board to proceed to their designated muster stations or take necessary actions to ensure safety, highlighting the significance of being prepared for emergencies in a maritime environment. This procedure is a fundamental aspect of safety training for all crew members and plays a key role in effective emergency response protocols on vessels.