Watch systems still being wheeled out

摘要

Any new regulation requiring new equipment on ships invariably brings with it an initial rush of suppliers followed by a gradual dwindling of their ranks as the installation programme is rolled out. The requirement for ships to install a Bridge Navigation Watch Alarm System (BNWAS) is somewhat different in that, although it is approaching the end of the rollout period, new names are joining the ranks of equipment makers. By now all newbuildings and most existing ships are required to be fitted with a BNWAS. Two deadlines currently remain: in July this year all existing 500-3,000gt ships will enter the system; and in July 2014 all existing 150-500gt ships will need to begin compliance. These dates are not the deadlines themselves for individual ships, as the requirement demands that the system be installed not later than the first Ship Safety Equipment Survey after the date mentioned. It would therefore be possible for a ship to be sailing as much as a year after the date if its survey programme is just before its 'deadline'.