Ulstein bridge alarm system is approved

Ulstein Elektro has obtained type approval for its bridge alarm system (BAS) from Norwegian classification society Det Norske Veritas (DNV). The equipment meets the requirements of IMO resolution and performance standards for a bridge navigational watch alarm system (BNWAS) and class notations for ‘one-man bridge operation’.

The Ulstein BAS is designed to monitor bridge activity and alert the master and other qualified navigators if the bridge becomes unattended or a situation occurs that needs attention from other officers.

The system first alerts the officer of the watch through a pre-warning alarm indication on the bridge. If he does not respond, the master or other qualified officer is alerted, says development manager for Ulstein BAS, Roar Kjærstad Husby.

The layout is designed with flexibility and ease of installation in mind. All configuration changes can be carried out from operator panels, while the cabinet is arranged to allow easy access to the pluggable connection points, resulting in straightforward installation and fault finding.

The central bridge alarm panel provides both visual and audible alarms, which are triggered by other systems and individual navigation equipment on the bridge. Mr Husby states that for best performance, all equipment on the bridge capable of making an audible alarm should be connected to the Ulstein BAS.

A key feature of the BAS is a ‘dead man’ system for the detection of unattended bridge or operator disability based on interval checking. If an operator does not respond within a preset time, the alarm is transferred to specific locations outside the bridge to alert the master and back-up navigator(s). This call out facility can also be manually invoked by the operator, if he needs assistance.

Mr Husby adds that the system further satisfies the requirements of a new standard being finalised by IEC, which is due to appear later this year. MEC