Applicability: All shipowners and operators

The IMO has issued interim guidance (contained in circular MSC.1/CIR.1474) that the automatic operational mode on bridge navigational watch alarm systems (BNWAS), if available, should not be used.

This is an interim measure pending a revision of the performance standards for BNWAS contained in IMO Resolution MSC.128 (75).

The guidance follows concerns raised over the use of the automatic mode at a meeting of the IMO’s NAV Sub-Committee and the resulting conclusion that the automatic mode is not usable on a ship compliant with the SOLAS Convention.

What to do now

Owners and operators should ensure that masters of ships fitted with a bridge navigational watch alarm system are aware of this information.

For further information

Speak to one of our experts at your local Lloyd's Register Group office. Or contact us via:

electrotechnical@lr.org