BANWAS MAIN PANEL CST 11 CONTROL UNIT BRIDGE NAVIGATIONAL WATCH ALARAM SYSTEM

BANWAS MAIN PANEL CST 11 CONTROL UNIT BRIDGE NAVIGATIONAL WATCH ALARAM SYSTEM

POWER SUPPLY DC 24V

. Executive Overview

The BANWAS Main Panel, also known as the CST 11 Control Unit, is the central processing and control hub of a SOLAS-compliant Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System (BNWAS). Its primary function is to monitor bridge activity and ensure that a proper navigational watch is being maintained at all times, thereby significantly enhancing maritime safety by preventing accidents caused by officer inattention or incapacitation.

This robust and intuitive unit automatically activates a series of escalating visual and audible alarms if it does not detect proactive resetting from the Officer of the Watch (OOW) within pre-set time intervals.

2. Key Features & Functions

• Central Control & Processing: Serves as the brain of the BNWAS, managing all timing sequences, alarm escalation, and system status.

• Comprehensive Status Display: A clear LCD or LED display shows:

  • System status (STANDBY, MONITORING, ALARM).

  • Current operational mode (AUTO, MANUAL).

  • Countdown timer to the next reset requirement.

  • Status of connected remote panels and reset units.

• Programmable Timer Settings: Allows authorized personnel (e.g., Master) to set the three critical time intervals as per SOLAS regulations:

  • Dormancy Period (3-12 min): The initial delay after activation before the first reset is required.

  • Reset Period (15 sec): The time given for the OOW to reset the system after the first visual alarm.

  • Alarm Escalation Period (15 sec): The delay before alarms escalate to the next level (e.g., to the Master’s cabin or other locations).

• Manual & Automatic Operation Modes:

  • Manual Mode: Activated/deactivated by the OOW at the start and end of a watch.

  • Automatic Mode: Automatically activates when the ship’s gyrocompass or ECDIS indicates “under way.”

• Multi-Stage Alarm Escalation: Manages the entire alarm sequence:

  1. Visual Alert: A flashing light on the main panel and remote units.

  2. First Audible Alarm: A local audible alarm on the bridge after the reset period expires.

  3. Secondary Alarm: If not reset, the alarm escalates to a second location (e.g., the Master’s cabin, Chief Officer’s cabin, or a common mess room) after the escalation period.

• System Reset Function: Features a dedicated, high-integrity reset button that requires a deliberate press from the OOW to confirm alertness.

• Remote Unit Interface: Connects to and controls multiple remote reset units, alarm panels, and cancel units located across the bridge, in officers’ cabins, and other designated areas.

• Compliance Assurance: Designed and certified to meet the stringent requirements of IMO MSC.128(75), IEC 62616, and various classification society standards.

3. Physical & Technical Specifications (Typical)

• Model: BANWAS Main Panel / CST 11 Control Unit

• Housing: Robust, marine-grade metal or high-impact plastic.

• Protection Rating: Typically IP22 or higher, suitable for the bridge environment.

• Display: Backlit LCD or LED for clear visibility in all light conditions.

• Controls: Tactile, membrane, or physical push-buttons.

• Power Supply: 24V DC (standard vessel supply) or 110/220V AC.

• Interfaces: Standard marine communication interfaces (e.g., NMEA 0183/2000, Serial) for connection to gyrocompass and ECDIS for automatic activation.

• Connections: Terminal blocks for power, remote units, and external alarm outputs.

4. Operational Workflow

1. Activation: The system is set to MONITORING mode, either manually by the OOW or automatically by the ship’s navigation sensors.

2. Dormancy Period: A countdown timer begins (e.g., 12 minutes). No alarms are active.

3. Visual Alert: After the dormancy period, a flashing light activates on the main panel and all remote units.

4. Reset Opportunity: The OOW must move to any reset unit and press the reset button within the 15-second reset period.

5. First Audible Alarm: If not reset, a local audible alarm sounds on the bridge.

6. Secondary Escalation: If still not reset after another 15 seconds, a remote audible alarm is triggered in pre-designated locations (e.g., Master’s cabin).

7. System Reset: Pressing the reset button at any stage immediately silences the alarms and restarts the dormant timer, returning the system to the MONITORING state.