Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System (BNWAS)

Regulations for BNWAS

SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 19 states:
(a) Cargo ships of 3,000 gross tonnage and upwards constructed before 1 July 2011, not
later than the first survey after 1 July 2012

BNWAS Overview
The purpose of BNWAS (Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System) is to monitor bridge activity
and detect operator disability which could lead to marine accidents.
BNWAS monitors the watch officer’s presence through watch safety system functions.
A watch officer is required to press the button on a Timer Reset Panel or to operate navigation
equipment (e.g. ECDIS, Radar, etc.) at certain intervals.

When the officer fails to press the button within pre-set intervals, visual and audible
alarms will be generated in the wheelhouse.
If the officer doesn’t respond to the alarm, the system transfers the alarm to the Cabin
Panels installed in other sections of the vessel in order to inform backup officers of the watch
officer’s incapacity.
Timer reset function and Visual indication
The timer reset may be facilitated by one of following means:
1. Pressing the reset button on the Main Panel/Timer Reset Panel
2. Provoking the motion sensor
3. Initiate operation of various navigation equipment

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 It is important to keep in mind when planning a BNWAS installation that the external
devises, which can act as reset devises, need to be located in position where proper lookout
can be done by the watch officer.
For the motion sensor, it is critical to locate it in such a way that it cannot be activated
by the ships movements. Thus, any curtains present on the bridge deck should not come in the
way of the sensor.
For first line of alert, in accordance with IMO Res. MSC.128(75), sufficient number of
visual indications (flashing lights) are to be installed and connected.
The visual indications should be visible from all operational positions within the bridge
where the OOW (Officer of the Watch) may be stationed to perform his duties.
These positions are made up by, but not limited to, Conning work station, Navigation
support work station, steering work station and 2 x docking work stations.
Operational modes
BNWAS should incorporate the following 3 operational modes:
(a) Automatic: The BNWAS is automatically activated when the vessel is
navigating by means of heading or track control system (autopilot/track pilot),
and inhibited as the heading/track control system is deactivated.
(b) Manual ON: The BNWAS is always in operation
(c) Manual OFF: The BNWAS is turned off completely
Features
(a) Meets the IMO resolution MSC.128(75) for Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System
(BNWAS)
(b) Monitors the watch officer's presence for maritime casualty avoidance
(c) Transfers the watch alarm to the back-up officer, in the event that the watch officer
fails to respond to watch pre-warning or watch alarm
(d) Quick-access push-keys for Navigation Officer's Call and Emergency Call
(e) Notifies Back-Up Navigators when TCS (Track Control System, option) has failed
(f) Outputs ALR sentence for VDR
(g) Optional Motion Detector and Flash Beacon available
(h) Set-up menu is protected by password
(j) Mode selection (Manual OFF, Manual ON, AUTO)
(k) Timer interval (3 to 12 min.)
(l) System test
(m) Easy to read alphanumeric and graphic presentations
(n) Multilanguage available English, Japanese, Russian, Chinese and Korean
(For use of languages other than English, please consult with the flag administration and/or
class society concerned, before operating BNWAS in those languages.)
Watch Safety System Sequence
1. The watch officer in the wheelhouse has to press the button on Timer Reset Panel or
operate interfaced equipment at certain intervals. (Dormant period, 3-12 min.)
STAGE 1

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2. If the watch officer does not press the button on Timer Reset Panel or operate
interfaced equipment, the Main Alarm Panel, the Timer Reset Panel and the Flash Beacon
(optional) generate the visual alarm in 15 seconds. (Pre-warning)
3. If the visual alarm is not acknowledged in the pre-warning period, the Main Alarm Panel
and the Timer Reset Panel generate the audible alarms as well as visual alarm in 15 seconds.
(1st Stage)

STAGE 2
4. If the officer doesn't respond to the alarm in the 1st Stage, the BR-500 transmits the
alarm to the selected Cabin Panels in the selected back-up officer's and/or the captain's room
as well as the cabin panels in public rooms. (2nd Stage)

STAGE 3
5. If the alarm is not acknowledged within the pre-set time, the system transmits the alarm
to all Cabin Panels. (3rd Stage)

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DORMANT PERIOD
6. The buzzer stops when the officer presses the [RESET] button. The Main Alarm Panel will
reset the timer and return to the dormant period, when the alarm is acknowledged by the
watch officer.

Meets IMO resolution MSC.128(75) for "Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System
(BNWAS)"
Monitors the watch officer's presence for maritime casualty avoidance
Transmits alarm to the backup officer in accommodation, if watch officer fails to
respond to the active alarm or emergency call.