Section 3 Workstations
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Clasifications Register Rules and Regulations - Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Ships, July 2022 - Part 7 Other Ship Types and Systems - Chapter 9 Navigational Arrangements and Integrated Bridge Systems - Section 3 Workstations

Section 3 Workstations

3.1 Navigation workstation

3.1.1 A workstation for navigation is to be arranged to enable efficient operation by one person under normal operating conditions. The workstation area is to be sufficient to allow at least two operators to use the equipment simultaneously. The arrangement of instruments and controls is to allow the use of all instruments and controls necessary for navigating and manoeuvring in any normal working position.

3.1.2 An adequate conning position is to be provided close to the forward centre window. If the view in the centreline is obstructed by large masts, cranes, etc. two additional conning positions giving a clear view ahead are to be provided, one on the port side and one on the starboard side of the centreline, no more than 5 m apart. In addition to the conning position, a second position with a view of the area immediately in front of the bridge superstructure is to be provided close to a forward window or, alternatively, the conning position is to be wide enough to accommodate two persons.

3.1.3 The main steering position is to be located on the ship's centreline, unless the view ahead is obstructed by large masts, cranes, etc. In this case, the steering position is to be located a distance to starboard of the centreline sufficient to obtain a clear view ahead and special steering references for use by day and night are to be provided, e.g. sighting marks forward.

3.1.4 The following facilities are to be provided at the navigation workstation:

3.1.5 Two functionally independent radars or alternative means are to be provided to determine and display the range and bearing of radar transponders and other surface craft, obstructions, buoys, shorelines and navigational marks. One of the radars is to operate in the X-band (9 GHz) and the other is to operate in the S-band (3 GHz).

3.1.6 At least two different automatic position-fixing systems giving a continuous display of latitude and longitude are to be provided in the interests of redundancy and diversity. One of these is to be GPS or equivalent. The other is to be a system providing similar global coverage such as GLONASS, where available. When a second GPS receiver is installed to satisfy this requirement, at least one of the receivers is to be provided with differential correction functionality (DGPS) and the receivers are to be arranged to operate independently as far as is practicable.

3.1.7 A gyrocompass or alternative means for determining, displaying and transmitting the ship's heading by shipborne, non-magnetic means, is to be provided and is to be clearly readable by the helmsman at the main steering position. The heading information is to be used directly by the radars, radar plotting aids and automatic identification system, see Pt 7, Ch 9, 3.1 Navigation workstation 3.1.5 and Pt 7, Ch 9, 3.1 Navigation workstation 3.1.13. The gyrocompass is to be provided with a gyrocompass heading repeater located at the emergency steering position in the steering gear compartment and a gyrocompass bearing repeater allowing bearings to be taken over 360°.

3.1.8 An autopilot, track control system or alternative means of automatically maintaining the ship's heading or a straight track is to be provided. At any time, it is to be possible to immediately restore manual control.

3.1.9 Heading monitoring is to be provided to monitor the actual heading information by independent heading sources. An off-course warning is to be given if the actual heading of the ship deviates from the set track course beyond a pre-set value. The pre-set off-course warning limit is to be large enough to prevent unnecessary alarms.

3.1.10 Where automatic track following is provided, sufficient warning is to be given of the approach of a waypoint, so that, in the event of no acknowledgment from the officer of the watch, there is adequate time for the backup navigator to reach the bridge and accept the change of course.

3.1.11 A speed log or alternative means of indicating the ship's speed and distance through water is to be provided. The speed through water measurement is to be used directly by the ARPA as an aid to collision avoidance.

3.1.12 A speed log or alternative means of indicating the ship’s speed and distance over ground is to be provided, which is to be separate from the device required by Pt 7, Ch 9, 3.1 Navigation workstation 3.1.11. Speed over ground is to be indicated in both the fore-aft and athwartships directions.

3.1.13 Navigational systems and equipment are to be of a type approved by the national administration and in conformity with appropriate performance standards not inferior to those adopted by IMO from time to time. Documentary evidence to this effect is to be submitted. See SOLAS 1974 as amended, Ch V, Regulation 18 - Approval, surveys and performance standards of navigational systems and equipment and voyage data recorder.

3.1.14 Where alternative means of fulfilling the navigational requirements are permitted, the means are to be approved by the national administration and in conformity with appropriate performance standards.

3.2 Voyage planning workstation

3.2.1 A voyage planning workstation is to be provided at which the following facilities are available:

  • Chart display and information facilities.
  • Position-fixing systems.
  • Time indication.

3.2.2 Time indication at the voyage planning workstation is to be derived from the same system as used at the navigation workstation.

3.2.3 An Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) is to be provided. Chart tables for paper charts, where provided, are to be large enough to accommodate all chart sizes normally used internationally for maritime traffic and are to have facilities for illuminating the chart, see also Pt 7, Ch 9, 2.3 Lighting 2.3.8.


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