BNWAS

The carriage requirements of Bridge navigational watch alarm system (BNWAS) as per SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 19 that were adopted by the IMO are as follows:-

• cargo ships of 150 gross tonnage and upwards and passenger ships of any size constructed on or after 1 July 2011
• passenger ships of any size constructed before 1 July 2011, not later than the first survey after 1 July 2012
• cargo ships of 3,000 gross tonnage and upwards constructed before 1 July 2011, not later than the first survey after 1 July 2012
• cargo ships of 500 gross tonnage and upwards but less than 3,000 gross tonnage constructed before 1 July 2011, not later than the first survey after 1 July 2013, and
• cargo ships of 150 gross tonnage and upwards but less than 500 gross tonnage constructed before 1 July 2011, not later than the first survey after 1 July 2014.

The new Resolution MSC.350(92) now clarifies in SOLAS V, Reg.19.1.2.4, the implementation schedule for the carriage of BNWAS for ships constructed before 1 July 2002 as follows:

• passenger ships irrespective of size, not later than the first survey after 1 January 2016;
• cargo ships of 3,000 gross tonnage and upwards, not later than the first survey after 1 January 2016;
• cargo ships of 500 gross tonnage and upwards but less than 3,000 gross tonnage, not later than the first survey after 1 January 2017; and
• cargo ships of 150 gross tonnage and upwards but less than 500 gross tonnage, not later than the first survey after 1 January 2018.

     =>Administrations may exempt ships constructed before 1 July 2002 from the requirement when such ships will be taken permanently out of service within two years after the implementation date.

     => The bridge navigational watch alarm system shall be in operation whenever the ship is underway at sea.

The BNWAS works on one of the following modes at any time:-

(i) AUTOMATIC: Automatically brought into operation when ship’s heading or track control system is activated & automatically inhibited when system is not activated.

(ii)  MANUAL ON: The BNWAS is always in operation.

(iii) MANUAL OFF: The BNWAS is turned off completely.

• Once operational, the alarm system should remain dormant for a period of 3 to 12 min.
• At the end of dormant period, the alarm system should initiate visual indication on the bridge (flashing).
• If not reset in 15 sec, BNWAS should sound a first stage audible alarm on the bridge.
• If not reset in 15 sec, BNWAS should sound a second stage audible alarm in the back up officer’s cabin and/or master’s location.
• If not reset in 90 sec, BNWAS should additionally sound third stage audible alarm at the various locations like CCR, officer’s mess room, officer recreation room etc. such that further crew member should take corrective action.
• The vessel’s other than passenger vessel the second stage audible alarm may be sounded in the way third stage audible alarm is sounded & third stage alarm may be omitted.
• In larger vessel, delay between 2nd & 3rd stage may be kept upto 3 min to allow sufficient time to backup officer or MASTER to reach the bridge.