Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System (BNWAS)

A bridge navigational watch alarm system (BNWAS) is the bridge-watch monitoring device SOLAS requires to detect incapacitation of the officer of the watch and escalate an alarm to backup officers and the master. SOLAS V/19.2.2.3, introduced by resolution MSC.282(86), mandates a BNWAS on cargo ships of 150 GT and upward and passenger ships of any size constructed on or after 1 July 2011, with a phased retrofit schedule for existing tonnage running to 2014. The system must operate whenever the ship is underway and conform to the performance standard in resolution MSC.128(75).