With amendments to the SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 19 that were adopted on June 5, 2009 by Resolution MSC.282(86), the International Maritime Organization (IMO) made it mandatory to install a bridge navigational watch alarm system (BNWAS) for all passenger and cargo vessels.
Deadlines for Installing BNWAS
The amendments to SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 19 specify deadlines for different types of ships classified by size to be fitted with the BNWAS. Here’s a quick look at the deadline for your ships:
- Cargo ships of 150 gross tonnage and upwards and passenger ships irrespective of size constructed on or after July 1, 2011;
- Passenger ships irrespective of size constructed before July 1, 2011, not later than the first survey after July 1, 2012;
- Cargo ships of 3,000 gross tonnage and upwards constructed before July 1, 2011, not later than the first survey after July 1, 2012;
- Cargo ships of 500 gross tonnage and upwards but less than 3,000 gross tonnage constructed before July 1, 2011, not later than the first survey after July 1, 2013; and
- Cargo ships of 150 gross tonnage and upwards but less than 500 gross tonnage constructed before July 1, 2011, not later than the first survey after July 1, 2014.
SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 19 also states that the BNWAS shall be in operation whenever the ship is at sea. However, “a bridge navigational watch alarm system (BNWAS) installed prior to 1 July 2011 may subsequently be exempted from full compliance with the standards adopted by the Organization, at the discretion of the Administration.”
How to Meet Compliance Requirements Cost Effectively
While it is mandatory now to invest in buying a BNWAS, it does not need to be a cumbersome task or too expensive. Our BNWAS has been designed in compliance with IMO BNWAS performance standards. It has several features and is very cost effective. Moreover, it is also easy to install and maintain. Our close association with the shipping industry and maritime professionals enables us to provide you timely and effective after sales support.