Type approval for Bridge Watch

The company says that it has so far delivered more than 800 BNWAS systems, and is still expanding its network worldwide and seeking new agents worldwide. The system has been tested to the specifications from the major classification societies.

Uni-Safe explains the purpose of a BNWAS as to monitor bridge activity and detect operator disability which could lead to marine accidents. The system monitors the awareness of the officer of the watch (OOW) and automatically alerts the Captain or another qualified OOW if for any reason the OOW becomes incapable.

From 1 July 2011 all new ships over 150gt and all new passenger ships have to be equipped with a BNWAS. The company says that existing vessels will normally be fitted with a BNWAS when in dry dock.