The new Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System BW-800 from Uni-Safe Electronics A/S complies with IMO MSC 128(75) and the new IEC 62616 performance standard as of February 2010.
The company says it expects to be the first company in the world to present a Type Approval of a Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System complying with the new IEC 62616 performance standard. DNV has carried out the performance test with success and now Uni-Safe is just waiting for environmental testing to be completed. The BW-800 system is ready for sale from April 2010.
The BW-800 system is designed for easy installation on both new vessels as well as the retrofit market. The system is suitable for all vessels including fishing vessels and the small size of the system makes it easy to install onboard small fishing vessels.
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 OOW's duties.
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.
New IMO requirements
New regulations from IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) will require carriage of a Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System (BNWAS) complying with IMO performance standards. For existing ships, the equipment should be installed in connection with the first survey after the following deadlines:
- Existing passenger ships and ships over 3,000GT: 1 July 2012
- Existing ships over 500GT: 1 July 2013
- Existing ships over 150GT: 1 July 2014
New ships over 150GT and all new passenger ships constructed after 1 July 2011 will be equipped with a Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System.
