3. WATCH SAFETY SYSTEM (WSS)
Watch safety system is intended to monitor watchkeeper’s activity as well as to ensure his well being
and awareness.
The system incorporates the following functions:
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Monitoring of operator's activity in different navigation equipment.
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Transfer of watch safety alarm to specified locations, in case the operator fails to respond in
given time period to watch safety alarm.
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Transfer of "non-acknowledged" alarms to specified locations on board.
In addition to watch safety monitoring, the system performs also the following monitoring functions:
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Gyro mismatch
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Magnetic compass difference alarm
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Independent "Off-course" alarm (independent from the automatic steering device).
3.1 Description of system's function
The system is such that, at a predetermined time, the watchkeeper receives warning that he must
indicate his well-being by accepting the warning.
The time interval between warnings is adjustable up to a maximum of 12
minutes (3, 6, 9, and 12 min).
It is possible to acknowledge the warning at the navigation workstation and at other appropriate locations
on the bridge where an effective lookout may be kept. Acknowledgement of any alarm resets
automatically the time interval between warnings. Manual adjustment of main navigation equipment
controls is also used for this purpose.
In the event that the watchkeeper fails to respond and accept the warning within 30 seconds, or if any
alarm has not been acknowledged on the bridge within 60 seconds, the system immediately initiates a
watch alarm to warn the master and the appointed back-up navigator through a fixed installation.
Manual initiation of the watch alarm from the bridge is also possible at any time.
The system is designed and arranged so that only the ship's captain has access for enabling and
disabling it. Time interval is set from timer control panel in captain’s cabin.
Acknowledgement of the watch alarm is only possible on the bridge.
Following control panels are included in the Watch Safety System:
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Timer set-up panel in the captain's cabin.
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Two Bridge Control panels at main navigation workstation. Control panels are used to reset the
watch timer, but can also be used to call appointed back-up navigation officer to bridge.
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Remote timer reset panels, located on bridge wings and the chart table. Push buttons are used
to reset the watch timer.
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Up to 8 Cabin panels, located in different cabins for navigating officers.
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Additional Cabin panels, up to 8, for public places.
Control panels are presented in following pages.