Description
The purpose of the 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 on Watch (OOW) and automatically alerts the Master or another qualified OOW if for any reason the OOW becomes incapable of performing his/her duties.
This is achieved by a series of indications and alarms to alert first the OOW and, if he/she is not responding, then to alert the Master or another qualified OOW. Additionally, the BNWAS may provide the OOW with a means of calling for immediate assistance. The BNWAS should be operational whenever the ship’s heading or track control system is engaged, unless restricted by the Master.
According to the June 2009 SOLAS amendment effective as of 1st of July 2011, BNWAS implementation is mandatory for various ships.
Functionality
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- Any RS6-based Transas ECDIS is easily upgraded to meet BNWAS requirements;
- Low cost of system and peripheral components;
- Minimal requirements for additional hardware components;
- Flexible configuration compatible with non-Transas systems (via discrete or RS6 ports and NMEA custom messaging);
- Flexible hardware platform with bespoke connectivity of discrete and NMEA signals;
- Software, alarms and additional data are easily modified and/or connected;
- Seamless integration with Transas MFD stations: alarms and data transfer;
- NMEA output of BNWAS status alongside discrete output of alarm yes/no to VDR/External Alarm Panel.
