Requirements

According to the June 2009 SOLAS amendment effective 1st of January 2011, as of 1st July 2011 BNWAS and its implementation schedule is mandatory for various ships.

Why to have BNWAS on-board

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 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. The BNWAS should be operational whenever the ship's heading or track control system is engaged, unless restricted by the Master.