Standards Development

Scope

This document specifies the minimum performance requirements, technical characteristics and methods of testing, and required test results, for a bridge navigational watch alarm system (BNWAS) as required by Chapter V of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) [1], as amended. It takes account of the general requirements given in IMO resolution A.694(17) and is associated with IEC 60945. It also takes into account IMO Resolution MSC.302(87) [2], to which IEC 62923-1 and IEC 62923-2 are associated.

This standard incorporates the performance standards included in IMO Resolution MSC.128(75).

NOTE 1 All text of this standard, whose wording is identical to that of IMO Resolution MSC.128(75) Annex, is printed in italics, and the resolution and associated performance standard paragraph numbers are indicated in brackets (128/Ax).

(128/A1) 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 calls for the Master or another qualified OOW if for any reason the OOW becomes incapable of performing the OOW's duties. This purpose is achieved by a series of visual indications and audible indications (3.1) to call first the OOW and, if he is not responding, then to call the Master 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 is underway at sea (SOLAS [1] V/19.2.2.3).

NOTE 2 BNWAS can, in practice, be realised as a stand alone equipment or be integrated in other equipment such as INS, radar, ECDIS, etc.