The X160 Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System (BNWAS) is a monitoring and Alarm system which notifies the master of the ship and other navigational officers whether the officer on watch (OOW)  is incapable of performing the watch duties efficiently, which can lead to maritime accidents.

As a vessel’s Bridge requires permanent operating attendance by the Officer of the Watch (OOW), the X160 BNWAS will monitor the bridge and alert the Master or other qualified navigational officers if, for any reason, the OOW becomes incapable or is absent from the bridge. The X160 BNWAS can alert other crew members to the bridge so as to investigate, prevent accidents or even provide medical assistance.

BNWAS warnings are raised  in the case of possible incapacity of the watchkeeping officer, due to an accident, sickness or in the event of a security breach such as  piracy and/or hijacking. Unless decided by the Master only, the BNWAS shall remain operational at all times when the vessel is underway and record operational data to a vessel’s VDR.

New regulations from IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) require that a BNWAS complies with all IMO performance standards. The X160 BNWAS is type-approved according to the Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm Systems legislation, as laid down by the IMO in resolution 128(75) and IEC 62616.