Panama has issued a circular on the bridge navigation watch alarm system

The Panama Maritime Authority has issued a merchant marine circular, MMC-229, on the bridge navigation watch alarm system (BNWAS).

Purpose

This notice informs users that SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 19, amended by Resolution MSC.282(86), mandates the carriage of Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm Systems (BNWAS) on certain ships.

Scope

Cargo ships with a gross tonnage of 150 and above and passenger ships of any size, constructed on or after July 1, 2011, must comply.

Passenger ships, regardless of size, built prior to July 1, 2011, need to comply no later than the initial survey following July 1, 2012.

Cargo ships with a gross tonnage of 3,000 and above, constructed before July 1, 2011, are required to comply no later than the first survey after July 1, 2012.

Cargo ships with a gross tonnage of 500 and above but less than 3,000, constructed before July 1, 2011, must comply no later than the initial survey after July 1, 2013.

Cargo ships with a gross tonnage of 150 and above but less than 500, constructed before July 1, 2011, must comply no later than the first survey after July 1, 2014.

Implementation

Ships in the industry installed BNWAS systems years prior to performance standards (MSC.128(75)).

The need arises to assess compliance with the latest IMO standards and SOLAS requirements.

Ships with BNWAS installed before July 1, 2011, may be exempted at the Administration's discretion.

Guidance and Exemptions

To prevent issues with functioning BNWAS systems, the Administration guides surveyors in evaluating existing systems.

Generally, BNWAS conforming to MSC.128(75) and having type approval are accepted without additional testing.

Exemptions may be considered for non-compliant BNWAS installed before July 1, 2011.

BNWAS Exemption Certificates

Applications for exemptions must include a provided checklist. Exemption certificates may be issued on a case-by-case basis.

Until a revision of Performance standards for BNWAS, the interface with ship's heading or track control system is not mandatory.

Renewals and Interfaces

Acceptance letters may be issued for renewal applications or cases where BNWAS does not interface with the ship's heading or track control system.

Existing certificates remain valid until expiry.

In cases of non-interface with VDR complying with Resolution A.861(20), an Acceptance letter is issued, and existing certificates remain valid until expiry.

MMC-229 was issued on 1 November 2023.

For more information, please see the documents below (available only to subscribers):

Bridge Navigation Watch Alarm System (BNWAS)

MSC.282(86): Adoption of Amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as Amended

MSC.128(75): Performance Standards for a Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System (BNWAS)