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BNWAS

BNWAS (Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System) Model BR-500

Monitor watch officer's presence and receive early warning detections in case of an emergency

The IMO MSC.86 (May 2009) decided to make the BNWAS (Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System) mandatory of all ships of 150 GT and larger. Passenger ships constructed on or after July 1st 2011, irrespective of size, shall be fitted with the BNWAS to be in operation when the ship is at sea. Ships constructed prior to July 1st, 2011 are also requested to install BNWAS.

Merchant Marine

Features

  • Meets the IMO resolution MSC.128(75) for Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System (BNWAS), and MSC.302(87) for Bridge Alert Management

    ＊IEC62616 Ed.1 Compliant

  • Monitors the watch officer's presence for maritimecasualty avoidance

  • Transfers the watch alarm to the back-up officer, in the event that the watch officer fails to respond to watch pre-warning or watch alarm

  • Quick access push keys for Navigation Officer's Calland Emergency Call

  • Notifies Back-Up Navigators when TCS (Track ControlSystem, option) has failed

  • Outputs ALR sentence for VDR

  • Optional Motion Detector and Flash Beacon available

  • Set-up menu is protected by password

    • Mode selection (Manual OFF, Manual ON, AUTO)
    • Timer interval (3 to 12 min.)
    • System test

  • Easy to read alphanumeric and graphic presentations

  • Multilanguage available English, Japanese, Russian, Chinese and Korean

    For use of languages other than English, please consult with the flag administration and/or class society concerned, before operating BNWAS in those languages.

About BNWAS (Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System)

Structure

Dormant Period
The watch officer in the wheelhouse has to press the button on Timer Reset Panel or operate interfaced equipment at certain intervals. (Dormant period, 3-12 min.)
Prewarning
If the watch officer does not press the button on Timer Reset Panel or operate interfaced equipment, the Main Alarm Panel, the Timer Reset Panel and the Flash Beacon (optional) generate the visual alarm in 15 seconds. (Prewarning)
1st Stage
If the visual alarm is not acknowledged in the prewarning period, the Main Alarm Panel and the Timer Reset Panel generate the audible alarms as well as visual alarm in 15 seconds. (1st Stage)
2nd Stage
If the officer doesn't respond to the alarm in the 1st Stage, the BR-500 transmits the alarm to the selected back-up navigator's and/or Captain's room. (2nd Stage)
3rd stage
If the alarm is not acknowledged within the pre-set time, the system transmits the alarm to all Cabin Panels. (3rd Stage)
Dormant Period
The buzzer stops when the officer presses the [RESET] button. The Main Alarm Panel will reset the timer and return to the dormant period, when the alarm is acknowledged by the watch officer.

Watch Alarm Sequence

Timer reset function and Visual indication

The timer reset may be facilitated by one of following means:

  1. Pressing the reset button on the Main Panel/Timer Reset Panel
  2. Provoking the motion sensor
  3. Initiate operation of various navigation equipment

It is important to keep in mind when planning a BNWAS installation that the external devises, which can act as reset devises, need to be located in position where proper lookout can be done by the watch officer.

For the motion sensor, it is critical to locate it in such a way that it cannot be activated by the ships movements. Thus, any curtains present on the bridge deck should not come in the way of the sensor.

For first line of alert, in accordance with IMO Res. MSC.128(75), sufficient number of visual indications (flashing lights) are to be installed and connected.

The visual indications should be visible from all operational positions within the bridge where the OOW (Officer of the Watch) may be stationed to perform his duties.

These positions are made up by, but not limited to, Conning work station, Navigation support work station, steering work station and 2 x docking work stations.

Operational modes

BNWAS should incorporate the following 3 operational modes:

  • Automatic:
    The BNWAS is automatically activated when the vessel is navigating by means of heading or track control system (autopilot/trackpilot), and inhibited as the heading/track control system is deactivated.
  • Manual ON:
    The BNWAS is always in operation
  • Manual OFF:
    The BNWAS is turned off completely

Various Equipment

Main Alarm Panel
Model BR-510
Timer Reset Panel
Model BR-530（Option）
Cabin Panel
Model BR-540（Option）
Watertight Timer Reset Panel
Model BR-550（Option）
Motion Detector
Model BR-560（Option）
Flash Beacon
Model BR-570（Option）

Specifications

Product Name BRIDGE NAVIGATIONAL WATCH ALARM SYSTEM
MAIN ALARM PANEL
(BR-510)		 Screen Size 4.3" color LCD
Pixel Number 480 x 272
PROCESSOR UNIT
(BR-520)		 Input Port Operational Fitness 4 ch (normal open)
Autopilot Mode 1 ch (normal open)
Backup Navigator 1 ch (normal close)
Output Port System Failure 2 ch (normal close: legacy mode or normal open: Alert I/F 1 and 2)
Serial Signal 1 ch (IEC61162-1)
Cabin Panel Control 12 sets max. (3 sets: parallel connection)
Timer Reset Panel Control 6 sets max. (2 sets: parallel connection)
Motion Detector 2 ch
Flash Beacon 3 ch
CABIN PANEL
(BR-540、Option)		 Input Voltage 12 VDC: 100 mA or less (supplied from processor unit)
Visible Indication Alarm LED, Duty LED
Audible Alarm Buzzer
TIMER RESET PANEL / WATERTIGHT TIMER RESET PANEL
(BR-530/BR-550、Option)		 Visible Indication Alarm LED, Reset LED
Audible Alarm Buzzer
Timer Reset Press Button
MOTION DETECTOR
(BR-560、Option)		 Detecting Method Infrared Body Motion Sensor
Distance 5 m max.
Moving speed 0.8 m/s to 1.2 m/s
Temperature gap 7 °C (forward)
FLASH BEACON
(BR-570、Option)		 Previous Visible alarm Watch Alarm lamp (Yellow)
POWER SUPPLY
(PROCESSOR UNIT)		 100-230 VAC: 0.6-0.4 A, 1 phase, 50/60 Hz
24 VDC: 1.0 A (Back-Up Source)
ENVIRONMENT Tempreture Watertight Timer Reset Panel -25°C to +55°C
Other Units -15°C to +55°C
Relative Humidity 93% at 40°C
Dustproof/waterproof Watertight Timer Reset Panel IP56
Processor Unit IP22 (bulkhead), IP20 (tabletop)
Other Units IP22
Vibration IEC 60945 Ed. 4

Equipment List

Standard

  • Main Alarm Panel BR-510 1 Unit
  • Processor Unit BR-520 1 Unit
  • Installation Material and Spare Parts 1 Set

Option

  • Timer Reset Panel BR-530 (on demand)
  • Cabin Panel BR-540 (on demand)
  • Watertight Timer Reset Panel BR-550 (on demand)
  • Motion Detector BR-560 (on demand)
  • Flash Beacon BR-570
  • Bulkhead Mount Kit OP24-20 (for BR-530/540/560/570)
  • Hanger OP24-21 (for BR-510, w/Inst. materials)
  • Shield Film OP24-22 (for BR-510)
  • Front Fixing Panel OP24-34（for BR-530/540/560/570）
    OP24-35（for BR-510)
  • Cable Assy. (connection be-tween BR-510 and BR-520) 10 m、20 m、30 m、40 m、50 m

Documentation

  • BR-500 Brochure
    (Last update: Feb 26, 2025)

Contact

Locate a Distributor Contact a local distributor for further details.

* Specifications subject to change without notice.

BNWAS