Bridge systems look forward to new mandates

Netherlands-based Alewijnse Marine Systems is one such company, and according to Michiel Louwerse, manager for navigation systems at the company, Alewijnse has highlighted several important areas in which it expects to be fully occupied.

Alewijnse has developed an interesting wireless RF-based solution, working with clients on the implementation of BNWAS (bridge watch navigational alarm system) mandate (SOLAS V/19 as amended by MSC.282(86)). This will run alongside the expected additional demand for ECDIS systems as a result of the same mandate. In response to customer requests Alewijnse will be offering its clients on-line ECDIS familiarisation training to ensure that crew will know the basic ECDIS rules, and at the same time provide detailed information about the system they are using. On the successful completion of online training the crew member will receive an official certificate to confirm that he is properly trained.

Alongside these developments Alewijnse expects an increase in requests for multifunctional systems and partly integrated bridge systems. Louwerse believes that the move towards at least a minimal level of integration between the most important navigations systems (radar, ECDIS, autopilot, conning etc) will continue to gather momentum among even the smallest commercial vessels. Clients require both technical and user interface integration, with individual workstations expected to provide access to and control of all the critical systems.