Bridge Design and Navigational Equipment/Systems: Guide For
Bridge Design and Navigational Equipment/Systems: Guide For
Bridge Design and Navigational Equipment/Systems: Guide For
JANUARY 2000
(Updated June 2002)
Copyright 2000
American Bureau of Shipping
ABS Plaza
16855 Northchase Drive
Houston, TX 77060 USA
This Guide represents the latest position of the American Bureau of Shipping in this subject and is being released
for trial use. ABS will consider the modification of these requirements as necessary and appropriate.
Corrigenda/Editorial Changes to 2000 Guide for Bridge Design
and Navigational Equipment/Systems
The following Corrigenda/Editorial changes have been incorporated into the Guide for Bridge Design
and Navigational Equipment/Systems and appear in the text in red font.
Page No. Paragraph Comments
Part A General
5 A13.3 Subsection “A11.3.2” is to read “A13.3.2” and in first line “In addition to
A11.2.5, the sea trial…” is to read "In addition to A13.2.5, the sea trial…”.
Part C Requirements for Notation NBLES (Navigational Bridge Layout and Equipment/Systems)
17 C13.1.1 First line: “In order to ensure the availability of course information…” is to
read “In order to ensure the availability of heading information…”.
17 C13.1.4 First line: “When the position of the vessel cannot be received, the course of
the vessel….” is to read “When the position of the vessel cannot be received,
the heading of the vessel….”.
21 C23 Third line: “The operating manual…” changed to “The operating/technical
manual…”.
21 C23 Fifth line: “The operating manual…” changed to “The operating/technical
manual…”.
22 C23.5 First line in second paragraph “The operating manual is to be submitted for
review by the American Bureau of Shipping solely to…” is to read “The
operating/technical manual is to be submitted to the Bureau for review solely
to…”.
22 C23.5 Second sentence in second paragraph “The American Bureau of Shipping is
not responsible for the operation of the vessel” is replaced with “The
operation of the vessel is not a condition of the assigned class notations”.
22 C23.5 Second line in third paragraph “The operating manual...” changed to “The
operating/technical manual…”.
23 C27.1 “...operating manual. See C23.” is to read “…operating/technical manual.
See C23.”.
24 Table C1 Item A1 in fourth column of table “Gyro compass course indicator” is to read
“Gyro compass heading indicator”.
24 Table C1 Item A2 in fourth column of table “Magnetic compass course indicator” is to
read “Magnetic compass heading indicator”.
24 Table C1 Item A12 in fifth column of table, in first line “…and additional…” is to read
“…an additional…”.
24 Table C1 Item A12 in fifth column of table, in third line “…changeover…” revised to
“…change-over…”.
25 Table C1 Item B1 in fourth column of table “Gyro compass course indicator” is to read
“Gyro compass heading indicator”.
25 Table C1 Item B7 in fifth column of table, in first line “…and additional…” is to read
“…an additional…”.
Part A - General
A1 Application
A1.1 The requirements of this Guide are applicable to vessels possessing valid SOLAS certificates, and
having the bridge so designed and equipped as to enhance the safety and efficiency of navigation.
When a vessel is designed, built and surveyed in accordance with the requirements of this Guide, and
when found satisfactory, a classification notation as specified in A3 will be granted. Application of
the requirements of this Guide is optional.
A1.2 The composition and qualifications of the crew remains the responsibility of the flag Administrations.
A3 Optional Notations
A5 Operational Assumptions
The requirements contained in this Guide are based on the following assumptions:
A5.1 Plans for emergencies and the conditions under which the vessel is intended to operate are clearly
defined in an operational manual acceptable to the flag Administration. The manual should clearly
state the bridge crew composition required under any particular set of circumstances.
A5.2 The requirements of the International Conventions on Standards of Training, Certification and
Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) and other applicable statutory regulations are complied with.
A7 Regulations
For the purpose of this Guide, the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, and all
other relevant Regulations relating to radio and safety of navigation required by Chapters IV and V of
1974 SOLAS, as amended, are to be complied with. Valid statutory certificates issued by the
pertinent flag Administration are to be provided onboard the vessel and made available to the
Surveyor upon request.
A11 Definitions
The following list provides definitions of the terms used in this Guide:
Acquisition - The selection of those target vessels requiring a tracking procedure and the initiation of
their tracking.
Alarm - A visual and audible signal indicating an abnormal condition.
ARPA - Automatic Radar Plotting Aid.
Back-up Navigator - Any individual , generally an officer, who has been designated by the vessel
master to be on call if assistance is needed on the navigation bridge.
Bridge - That area from which the navigation and control of the vessel is exercised, including the
wheelhouse and bridge wings.
Bridge Wings - Those parts of the bridge on both sides of the vessel’s wheelhouse which, in general,
extend to the vessel’s side.
Bridge Wing Workstation - Workstation from which the vessel can be maneuvered, and operated
during unmooring and mooring, lock passage, taking or dropping the pilot, etc.
CPA (Closest Point of Approach) - The shortest target vessel-own vessel calculated distance that will
occur in case of no change in course and speed data.
Catwalk - Extension of a deck that is wide enough to allow the passage of a man.
Chart Area - Part of the wheelhouse situated and equipped for adequate performance of voyage
planning/plotting activities.
Commanding View - View without obstructions which would interfere with the navigator’s ability
to perform his immediate task.
Conning Position - Place on the bridge with a commanding view and which is used by navigators
when commanding, maneuvering and controlling a vessel.
Display - Means by which a device presents visual information to the navigator, including
conventional instrumentation
ECDIS - (Electronic Chart Display and Information System) A system which displays hydrographic
information and the vessel’s position along a pre-planned route.
Ergonomics - Application of the human factor in the analysis and design of equipment and working
environment.
FOV (Field of Vision) - Angular size of a scene that can be observed from a position in the vessel’s
bridge.
GLONASS - Global Orbiting Navigating Satellite Systems.
GMDSS - Global Maritime Distress and Safety System.
Helmsman - Person who steers the vessel.
Integrated Bridge System (IBS) - This system is defined as a combination of systems which are
interconnected in order to allow centralized access to sensor information or command/control from
workstations, with the aim of increasing safe and efficient vessel’s management by suitable qualified
personnel. For the purpose of this Guide, the integrated bridge system pertains only to aspects
dealing with navigational, monitoring/alarming and communication functions as covered in this
Guide.
Lookout - Activity carried out by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in
the prevailing circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the
risk of collision.
Main Workstation - See "navigation and traffic surveillance/maneuvering workstation".
Manual Steering Workstation - Workstation from which the vessel can be steered by a helmsman,
possibly designed for working in a seated position.
Monitoring - Act of constantly checking equipment and environment in order to detect any changes.
Monitoring Workstation - Workstation from where equipment and environment can be checked
constantly; when several persons are working on the bridge it serves for relieving the navigator at the
navigation and traffic surveillance/maneuvering workstation and/or for carrying out advisory
functions by the master or pilot.
Navigation - All tasks relevant for deciding, executing and maintaining course and speed in relation
to waters and traffic.
Navigator - Person navigating, operating bridge equipment and maneuvering the vessel.
Navigation and Traffic Surveillance/maneuvering Workstation - Main workstation at which the
vessel’s course, speed and position in relation to the waters and traffic can be controlled and
monitored, and where communication relevant to navigation can be performed. It is generally
conceived for working in seated or standing position with optimum visibility and integrated
presentation of information and operating equipment. It shall be possible from this location to operate
the vessel safely, in particular when a fast sequence of action is required.
NAVTEX - A narrow-band direct printing telegraph equipment for reception of navigational and
meteorological warnings and urgent information to vessels.
Normal Sailing Conditions - When all systems and equipment related to navigation operate within
design limits, and environmental conditions such as weather and traffic do not cause excessive
workload to the officer of the watch.
Officer of the Watch - Person responsible for safe navigating, operating of bridge equipment and
maneuvering of the vessel.
Primary Bridge Navigational Equipment/Systems - For the purpose of this Guide, equipment/
systems essential for the performance of primary bridge navigational functions are: gyro compass,
radar, position-fixing system and electronic chart system.
Public Rooms - Public rooms are those portions of the accommodations which are used for halls,
dining rooms, lounges and similar permanently enclosed spaces. For the purpose of this Guide, the
library, gymnasium, vessel’s office and conference rooms need not be considered.
Radar Plotting - The whole process of target detection, tracking calculation, relative and true
motion, course, speed and display of information
Route Planning Workstation - Workstation at which vessel’s operations are planned (i.e., route
planning, deck log, etc.) and where fixing and documenting all vessel’s operation takes place.
Sea-going Vessel - Vessel navigating on the high seas, i.e. areas along coasts and from coast to coast.
B1 General
Vessels complying with Parts A through B of this Guide, will be assigned the notation NBL
(Navigation Bridge Layout).
B3.1 General
The design of navigational equipment is to be based on sound ergonomic principles and its
construction is to be of robust, durable and flame retardant material incorporating the required degree
of enclosure protection i.e., IP 20 for bridge installation and IP 56 for open deck installation. The
requirements in B3 are applicable to navigational related equipment required in this Guide.
B3.4 Self-support
Workstations, panels, cabinets, etc., are to be secured to a solid foundation with sides and back
suitably protected. They are to be self-supported, or be braced to the bulkhead or the ceiling. In case
the last method is used, means of bracing is to be flexible to allow deflection of the deck without
buckling the assembly structure.
B3.6.4 Distinction
Controls or combined controls/indicators are to be visually and tactually distinguishable from
elements that only indicate, i.e., rectangular buttons may be used for control elements and
round lights for indicator elements.
B3.7 Earthing
Non-current carrying metal parts are to be effectively earthed.
B5.5 Workstations
B5.5.1 General
Instruments providing visual information to more than one person on duty are to be located
for easy viewing by all users concurrently, or if this is not possible, the instruments are to be
duplicated. Instruments displaying information to more than one workstation may be located
above the front windows if dimensions allow; such instruments are: vessel’s heading, wind,
water depth, speed, rate of turn, rudder angle, propeller revolutions (r/min), propeller pitch
and time. Configuration and dimensions as outlined in B5.5.2 and B5.5.3 do not apply to
radar consoles.
B5.5.2 Configuration
In general, workstations are to be divided into two parts if possible:
a Vertical Part: Instruments dealing with information/presentation of data are to be
placed in the vertical part.
b Horizontal Part: Controls of the relevant equipment are to be placed in the
horizontal part.
B5.5.3 Dimensions
a Height: The height of workstations is not to interfere with the navigating bridge
window’s view requirements found in 3-6-1/1.3.4 and 1.3.5 of the “Rules for
Building and Classing Steel Vessels”.:
b Width: Based on sound ergonomic principles, the width of workstations designed for
single person operation is not to exceed 1.6 m (5 ft 3 in.).
c Chart Table: The chart table is to be large enough to accommodate all chart sizes
normally used internationally for marine traffic. The dimensions of the chart table
are to be as follows: width, not less than 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in.); depth, not less than 0.85
m (2 ft 9 in.); height, not less than 0.9 m (2 ft 11 in.) and not more than 1 m (3 ft 3
in.). Additionally, the chart table is to be provided with 10 mm (3/8 in.) slits in front
and back of the table to accommodate charts which are larger than the table.
B5.6.5 Surfaces
a Glare-free: All prepared surfaces are to be glare-free.
b Non-slip: The flooring throughout the bridge is to be provided with non-slip
surfaces, effective in both wet and dry locations.
B5.6.6 Drainage
Bridge decks outside, including the wings, are to be provided with means for drainage.
B5.6.8 Doors
Doors to the bridge wings are to be capable of being operated with one hand. Means are to
be provided to hold the doors open.
C1 General
Vessels complying with Parts A through C of this Guide, will be assigned the notation NBLES
(Navigational Bridge Layout and Equipment/systems). Equipment required for this notation is listed
in Table C1 (found at end of Part C).
C3.1 Documentation
The manufacturer or assembler of the relevant navigational equipment required in this Guide is to
provide documented evidence indicating that the equipment meets the criteria specified in C3.2 and
C3.3.
C7 Alarm Systems
C7.1 Characteristics
Alarm systems are to be of the self-monitoring type and designed so that a fault in the alarm system is
to cause it to fail to the alarmed condition. Additionally, they are not to react to normal transient
conditions or spurious signals. Alarms are to be both audible and visual, and are to flash when first
activated.
C7.3 Acknowledgment
Alarms are to be acknowledged by manually changing the flashing display of the incoming alarm to a
steady display and by silencing the audible signal; the steady state light display is to remain activated
until the fault condition is rectified. Alarming of other faults that may occur during the
acknowledgment process is not to be suppressed by such action and is to be alarmed and displayed
accordingly.
C9 Computerized Equipment
Where computerized equipment are interconnected through a computer network, failure of the
network is not to prevent individual equipment from performing their individual functions.
C11.1 Sources
Electrically operated systems and equipment covered in Parts C and D of this Guide are to be
connected to distribution panels placed in an accessible position on, or adjacent to but at the same
level of the bridge; each item of equipment is to be individually connected to its distribution panel.
These panels are to be supplied by two exclusive circuits, one fed from the main source of electrical
power and one fed from an emergency source of power. The power supplies to the distribution
panels are to be arranged with automatic changeover facilities between the two sources.
C13.6.2 For vessels 3,000 GT and above, automatic acquisition and tracking of 20 radar
targets and means to simulate a trial maneuver is to be provided. Additionally, a
heading or track controller or other means to automatically control and keep to a
heading and/or track is to be provided.
C13.6.3 For vessels 10,000 GT and above, means to automatically control and keep the vessel
in a straight track is to be provided.
1 As the navigation and traffic surveillance/maneuvering, monitoring and manual steering workstations are functionally interrelated and usually
installed in close proximity from each other, considerations will be given to the omission of duplicate required equipment at each of the
aforementioned workstations.
Conning • To allow the navigator the easy B1 Display panel See D11. This panel may be included
Information reading of the maneuvering state of the within the centralized bridge station.
vessel from the conning position
Manual steering • See Table C1 C1 Equipment required in Part C for See Table C1
(Helmsman’s) the manual steering workstation
Docking • See Table C1 D1 Equipment required in Part C for See Table C1
(Bridge wings) the docking workstation
Route Planning • Determination of favorable course and E1 ECDIS including navigation
optimum speed, taking into account planning station
weather conditions, current, etc. and
route planning
• Giving instructions as to the course E2 Route planning devices
and speed
• Calculation of tidal data E3 Chart table
• Handling nautical records, documents, E4 Position-fixing receiver
publications
• Handling weather reports E5 Retaining device for drawing
triangles, dividers, magnifying
lens, pencils, etc.
• Determination of documentation of E6 Weather chart plotter
position in case of conventional
operation
• Control of rate and error of E7 Main clock
chronometer, deviation, radio
deviation, documentation of same
• Keeping deck log E8 Chronometer with receiving facility
for time signals
• External communication for planning E9 Radio direction finder
operation using the chart
E10 Log, including distance indicator,
course plotter
E11 Officer of the watch check-
alertness acknowledgment device
E12 Barograph
E13 Command printer
E14 Automatic telephone system See C19
Note:
Attention is drawn to items A1, B1, B5, C1 and D1 of Table C1 under “Remarks” column.
Appendix A
IMO Resolutions Referenced in this Guide