New regulations from IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) require carriage of a Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System (BNWAS) complying with IMO performance standards.
For existing vessels, the equipment should be installed in connection with the first survey after the following deadlines:
Existing passenger vessels and vessels over 3,000 GT: July 1, 2012.
Existing vessels over 500 GT: July 1, 2013.
Existing vessels over 150 GT: July 1, 2014.
New vessels over 150 GT and all new passenger vessels constructed after July 1, 2011 must be equipped with a Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System.
The purpose of a bridge navigational watch alarm system (BNWAS) is to monitor bridge activity and detect operator disability which could lead to marine accidents. The system monitors the awareness of the Officer of the Watch (OOW) and automatically alerts the Captain or another qualified OOW if for any reason the OOW becomes incapable of performing the duties expected.
This purpose is achieved by a series of indications and alarms to alert first the OOW and, if he is not responding, then to alert the Captain or another qualified OOW. Additionally, the BNWAS may provide the OOW with a means of calling for immediate assistance if required. The BNWAS should be operational whenever the ship's heading or track control system is engaged, unless inhibited by the Captain.
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