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System
(Dead Man Alarm)
BNWAS IMO Requirements: Bridge Watch Alarm
The BNWAS is a SMALL equipment that can prevent BIG accidents.
BNWAS IMO Resolution MSC.128(75) specifies the need for a series of
indications and alarms.
The BNWAS was made mandatory in amendments to Chapter V of SOLAS
Regulation 19, which was adopted on June 5, 2009 by Resolution MSC.2.
Purpose of BNWAS Installation:
BNWAS is the acronym for Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System.
The purpose of a BNWAS is to monitor bridge activity and detect
operator disability, which could lead to maritime accidents, thus
enhancing safety of navigation.
The purpose of the BNWAS is to increase navigational safety by monitoring
the alertness of the Officer of the Watch.
The OOW is required to press a button at regular intervals.
Not doing so would sound off an alarm and summon the officers and then
the Captain.
Thus, if the OOW becomes incapacitated, the BNWAS alerts the crew,
thereby leading to safer sailing.
BNWAS IMO Resolution:
As per IMO resolution MSC.128(75) (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 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 is underway at sea
(SOLAS V/19.2.2.3).