IMO to Require Bridge Watch Alarm Systems

Published Mar 24, 2011 10:34 AM by The Maritime Executive

New IMO regulations, implemented through the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), will soon require the carriage of a Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System (BNWAS) on most ocean going vessels. Under the terms of the amendments to SOLAS Chapter V, regulation 19, adopted with Resolution MSC.282(86), new cargo ships over 150gt and all new passenger ships of any size constructed after July 1 2011 will have to be equipped with a BNWAS.

Implementation will then be phased in, making BNWAS mandatory on existing tonnage over the following three years. All existing passenger ships and cargo vessels over 3000gt have to be equipped not later than the first special survey after July 1 2012 and all existing cargo ships over 500 gt by the first survey after 1 July 2013. The final category of vessels, cargo ships over 150gt, will have to comply by 1 July 2014.

Article written by Marine and Offshore journalist John Balfe.

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