Bridge navigational watch

alarm system
 A Bridge Navigational watch alarm system. abbreviated BNWAS is a an
automatic system which sound an alarm if the watch officer on the
bridge of a ship falls a sleep. Becomes otherwise incapacitated or is
absent for too long time. The BNWAS is automatically engaged when
the ship’s autopilot is activated.
Why Ship’s need BNWAS?

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.

The BNWAS is a SMALL equipment that can prevent BIG

accidents. BNWAS IMO Resolution specifies the need for a series of
indications and alarms. The BNWAS was made mandatory in amendments
to Chapter V of SOLAS Regulation 19, which was adopted on June 5,
2009
Alarm and indication:
Stage 1:When the autopilot is engaged the bridge officer is required to signal
his presence to the BNWAS system every 3 to 12 minutes in response to a
flashing light, either by moving an arm in front of motion sensor, pressing a
confirmation button, or directly applying pressure to the BNWAS centre.

Stage 2: When a confirmation signal fails to occur within in stage 1, an alarm

will sound on the bridge, and if there is still no confirmation signal after a further
15 seconds, in the captain’s and chief officer’s cabins one of them go to the
bridge and cancel the alarm

Stage 3: if neither the captain nor the first officer cancels the alarm within a
specified time period (between 90 seconds and 3 minutes depending on the
size of the vessel) an alarm will sound in location where other personnel are
usually available