Bridge Navigation Watch Alarm Systems (BNWAS)-Wireless
“WatchKeeper” Wireless BNWAS: In a Class of Its Own
The new IMO regulations for mandatory carriage of Bridge Navigation and Watch Alarm Systems (BNWAS) came into effect for new builds in July 2011 and retrofits beginning July 2012, so don’t get caught out when the rush starts. The phased implementation is dependent on vessel size and type:
1st July 2011: All new vessels ≥ 150 GT plus new passenger vessels built on or after 1st July 2011
1st July 2012: All cargo vessels ≥ 3,000 GT plus all existing passenger vessels
1st July 2013: All cargo vessels ≥ 500 and ≤ 3,000 GT
1st July 2014: All cargo vessels ≥ 150 GT
With a new-build, installing a BNWAS is usually straightforward. However, if your vessel is already in service, the system will have to be retro-fitted. While the equipment itself is fairly inexpensive, in most cases, the installation costs will make up the major portion of the expenditure. When any installation involves running new cables, the costs, both in terms of labour and vessel “down time”, not to mention general disruption, can start to escalate.
The “WatchKeeper” from Net-Logic is unique in the marketplace in that it can be supplied as a traditional wired system, or as “WatchKeeper+” with optional units which use a highly fault-tolerant wireless RF mesh network that require no physical connection between the units.
Watchkeeper is the only type approved BNWAS with wireless capability on the market and the result is a system far simpler, quicker and cheaper to install, offering significant cost savings compared to traditional wired systems.
No new cables to be run
No removal of deckheads
Minimal vessel disruption and down time
Wired and wireless units can be used in any combination to match the vessel’s exact requirements.
As an added bonus, the equipment is very compact as well as multi-functional. The Master Control Unit screen defaults to a Reset button and also includes a manual Distress Alarm button as well as an audible bridge alarm, keeping the actual hardware to be fitted to an absolute minimum.
Compact display unit with touch-panel control
Capacitive touch reset buttons include LED indication of elapsed time
Capacitive touch reset buttons include LED indication of elapsed time
Timer reset interface from third-party systems (i.e. Radar, ECDIS, autopilot)
Accepts NMEA and contact closure inputs from other systems’ unacknowledged alarms
NMEA output to VDR
Programmable relay output to PA
