What is BNWAS?

A BNWAS is required under the amended
terms of SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 19

The term BNWAS is an acronym for the term Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System – a safety system made mandatory in amendments to SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 19 and adopted on 5th June 2009 by Resolution MSC.282(86).

As outlined in the performance standards MSC.128(75) - “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 of the Watch (OOW) and automatically alerts 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 indications and alarms to alert first the OOW and, if he 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 if required. The BNWAS should be operational whenever the ship’s heading or track control system is engaged, unless inhibited by the Master.”

When Is Your Deadline for Compliance

The amendments to SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 19 state that a bridge navigational watch alarm system (BNWAS) should be installed as follows:

• cargo ships of 150 gross tonnage and upwards and passenger ships irrespective of size constructed on or after 1 July 2011;
• passenger ships irrespective of 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.

A bridge navigational watch alarm system (BNWAS) installed prior to 1 July 2011 may subsequently be exempted from full compliance with the standards adopted by the Organization, at the discretion of the Administration.

When Should You Install?

BIMCO has advised its members to fit systems at their vessels’ next dry docking ahead of the mandatory implementation dates and not wait for annual surveys within the compliance window.

How Can Martek Help You Comply?

Navgard - BNWAS

The Navgard™ bridge navigational watch alarm system (BNWAS) from Martek Marine has been designed specifically to comply with the requirements of the newly amended SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 19.

• Type Approved by all major classification societies
• Control panel mounted PIR
• Simplest system to install
• On-board data logging and approved VDR output

To find out more about the Navgard™ bridge navigational watch alarm system (BNWAS) click here to visit our website.