Return to IMO Regulations

IEC 62616 – System Ergonomy

IMO (International Maritime Organization) Regulations

IEC 62616: Bridge navigational watch alarm system (BNWAS)

Operational controls

The following controls are required:

  • A protected means of selecting the operational mode of the BNWAS.
  • A protected means of selecting the duration of the dormant period of the BNWAS.
  • A means of activating the “Emergency Call” function if  this facility is incorporated within the BNWAS.

Presentation of information

Operational mode

The operational mode of the equipment shall be indicated to the OOW.

Visual indications

The visual indication initiated at the end of the dormant period shall take the form of a flashing indication. The colour of the indication(s) shall be chosen so as not to impair night vision and dimming facilities (although not to extinction) shall be incorporated.

First stage bridge audible alarm

The first stage audible alarm which sounds on the bridge at the end of the visual indication period shall have its own characteristic tone or modulation intended to alert, but not to startle, the 00W. This function may be engineered using one or more sounding devices. Tone/modulation characteristics and volume level shall be selectable during commissioning of the system.

Second and third stage remote audible alarm

The remote audible alarm which sounds in the locations of the Master, officers and further crew members capable of taking corrective action at the end of the bridge audible alarm period shall be easily identifiable by its sound and should indicate urgency. The volume of this alarm shall be sufficient for it to be heard throughout the locations above and to wake sleeping persons as described in IMO resolution A.830(19).