Its taking the ship from one

berth to another berth.

This is accomplished by finding

What is Navigation? the navigator's position compared
to known locations or patterns.
Instrument used for navigation

● Early instruments used for determining latitude were the quadrant,

(which measured the altitude of the polestar or the noonday sun,) the
astrolabe and the sextant.
● Longitude was originally fixed using chronometers and tables showing
yearly positions of celestial bodies.
Importance of navigation

● The mariners to explore the world’s oceans developed standard ways of

observing and recording their location, the routes they traveled, wind
and water currents, and other useful facts.
● These records, logs, and journals made it possible find their way home
and pass along their observations. Each successful voyage became a
part of an expanding collection of reliable maritime information.
 Electronic navigation are forms
of navigation that ships, can use,
What is Electronic Navigation? which rely on technology powered
by electricity.
Methods of electronic navigation

Satellite navigation Radio navigation Radar navigation

Satellite navigation The application of radio The use of radar to

systems frequencies to determine position
determining a position. relative to known
objects.
Instrument used for electronic navigation

● Modern navigation systems make use of many traditional tools, such as compasses,
charts, instruments; but over the past century radio beacons, satellite networks and
global positioning systems have been relied upon with increasing frequency to
determine a ship’s position.
● Ship compasses are usually stabilized by gyroscopes and installed in housing which
properly compensates for the vessel’s motion. Charts are another essential
navigational tool- position is fixed using charts of known locations in concert with
instruments that calculate a vessel’s relative bearing. Dead reckoning is a method
which relies on recording the accurate velocity calculated by gyroscopes and
computer analysis of the vessel’s acceleration.
Importance of electronic navigation

Modern navigation systems are part of a tightly coordinated and widely integrated
transportation system in which each vessel must be responsible for:

● staying on course,
● avoiding collisions,
● minimizing fuel consumption,
● and keeping on schedule.
IMO DEFINITION OF ELECTRONIC NAVIGATION SYSTEM:

"E-navigation is the harmonized creation, collection, integration, exchange and

presentation of maritime information on board and ashore by electronic means to
enhance berth-to-berth navigation and related services, for safety and security at
sea and protection of the marine environment."
IMO standardization of electronic navigation

● The work to standardize the display of bridge equipment started at IMO level in
2015 and throughout the process, the end user - the navigator - has been in focus.
● A correspondence group was formed, which for 3 years worked on formulating and
improving a set of guidelines for the design of navigational related data on bridge
equipment.

● all new Radar, ECDIS and integrated navigational displays (INS) from 1 January 2024
and all other displays on the bridge from 01 July 2025 will display information in a
harmonized manner.
Benefits of E-Navigation

1. Improved safety, through promotion of standards in safe navigation.

2. A reduction in human error through provision of automatic indicators, warnings and fail-safe methods;
3. Improved coverage and availability of consistent quality electronic navigational charts (ENCs); .
4. Introduction of standardised equipment but without restricting the ability of manufacturers to innovate; .
5. Enhanced navigation system resilience, leading to improved reliability and integrity;
6. Better integration of ship and shore-based systems; leading to better utilisation of all human resources; .
7. Better protection of the environment both by:
a. improving navigation safety, thereby reducing the risk of collisions and groundings and
the associated spillages and pollution;
b. reducing emissions by using optimum routes and speeds;
c. enhancement of ability and capacity in responding and handling of emergencies such as oil spills;
d. augmented security by enabling silent operation mode for shore-based stakeholders
higher efficiency and reduced costs.
Ships are massive vessels spanning hundreds of meters in length and
weighing thousands of tons. Being able to control and manoeuvre such a large
vessel is of paramount importance.

How is it possible for a small crew to operate a ship of such gigantic

proportions?

This is where the ship’s bridge comes in.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bj3_peT4u9M
 The bridge is the main control center of a
vessel, from where the captain and
officers are able to man the

What is bridge?
entire operations of the vessel.

It is generally located in a position with an

unrestricted view and immediate access to
the essential areas of a ship.
Features of the bridge

1. Historically, the bridge was a structure connected to the paddle house that housed the steering equipment. As
it closely resembled an actual bridge, this name was given.

2. Even after paddle wheels became obsolete and were replaced with the latest technological advents, the term
“bridge” still stuck. The master of the bridge is always the captain, who retains control and responsibility of the
vessel while he is on board.

3. During the round-the-clock watch, the highest-ranking officer of the watch is generally placed in charge of the
bridge. Only authorized personnel are allowed to enter this area and strict operating procedures must be
followed at all times.

4. The bridge of a vessel houses the main steering equipment, navigation charts, communication systems,
engine control as well as miscellaneous features. In addition, some bridges also have adjacent bridge wings,
that house equipment for the stern and bow thrusters. These wings extend beyond the main bridge room and
provide a clear, unobstructed view of the surrounding areas.
Features of the bridge

5. The bridge is always manned by an officer of the watch, who has the responsibility of manoeuvring the
vessel and coordinating with the engine room. In general, an officer and a lookout are required to be
present on the bridge, to prevent any untoward incidents.

6. For complicated manoeuvres, the captain of the vessel is often called to the bridge to take over controls.
And in areas with a high-risk environment, pilots are often enlisted to guide the ship safely using their
knowledge of the region. In addition to being the heart of the ship, the bridge is also used as a command
centre and important documents are stored here.

7. The ship’s papers, permits, important documents, passports, cash for emergencies etc. are kept in safe
located on the bridge. For this reason, the entrances into the bridge are often heavily fortified and provided
with bulletproof glass to thwart pirate attacks.
 The bridge of a ship is intended to be the heart of
the vessel and must provide a clear and
unobstructed view of the surrounding area. Even
though a host of electronic and navigational
equipment is found on the bridge, the primary
purpose must be fulfilled.

Layout & design of the bridge Thus, the bridge is demarcated broadly
into two regions-

1. the area at the fore intended for

clear observation,
2. and the remaining area for
controls and communication.
Layout & design of the bridge
Regions of the bridge - Observation region

● The observation region is enclosed at the fore by large glass panes, built to
withstand storms and adverse weather conditions such as hale. Often,
plexiglass structures are used and supported on steel or aluminium frames.
Shades which can be lowered are also used so that visibility is not reduced
when there is a bright light.
Regions of the bridge - Bridge wings

● Along with the central observation deck, there are also bridge wings.

● These wings are structures that extend in a transverse manner out of the bridge.

● Present on the port and starboard side, their primary purpose is to increase the region of visibility, especially during complex
manoeuvres such as port docking.

● They also house the controls to the individual bow and stern thrusters present on each side.

● Thrusters are propellers located deep within the hull that provide a higher degree of control to the captain for precise turns
and adjustments.

● The bridge wings can be either open or closed depending on the type of ship. In most cases, the wings are kept open to allow
for maximum visibility.

● In addition, there is communication equipment found on the wings so that information can be relayed back to the main
bridge section.

● Entry to the bridge wings is restricted to only trained seamen and officers of the watch.
Regions of the bridge - Controls & Communication
● The remaining area of the bridge houses the main navigational, steering and communication equipment. Along with this,
there are numerous controls that operate various parts of the ship remotely.
● Several internal telephone lines connect the bridge directly to the chief engineer, captain, first officer and the engine room.
This enables immediate action based on input from the watch officer.
● The control area is built into different console units that are arranged in a semi-circular fashion on all sides of the bridges. This
includes radar systems and steering controls that are manned by ship officers.
● All equipment used onboard must be IMO certified and must have passed a series of tests intended to check their robust
nature and ability to function for protracted periods of time. For safety purposes, fire extinguishers, flares and distress
beacons are stored on the bridge.
● For anti-piracy reasons, the entire structure is fortified and must pass stringent security checks, especially when sailing
through regions such as the Horn of Africa or the Western Indian Ocean region. Although these are hotbeds of criminal
activity, most commercial carriers are not allowed to carry firearms or weapons on board.
● However, for extreme contingencies, the bridge controls a series of water pumps located all around the ship that thwarts any
other vessel from getting too close. Also, special marshals are often hired to provide contracted security and usually keep their
firearms on the bridge.
Steering & engine equipment on the bridge

● To steer the ship, controls to the rudder, engines and thrusters are present on one of the numerous consoles
found in the bridge. Although primary control of the engines rests with the chief engineer or the officer in the
engine room, it is an officer from the bridge who often issues commands to the engine room.
● To increase speed, there is an engine telegraph that allows for a variety of speeds and even allows the propellers
to be put in reverse. There are often different controls for the multiple engines on board. In addition to the
engines and propellers, there are bow and stern thrusters that allow for a higher range of precise movements.
● The thrusters are often controlled from the bridge wings so that better visibility is available.
Thrusters provide steering as their primary function, as compared to power, unlike the engines.
● Steering is primarily controlled through the rudder and thrusters, and the controls for both of them rest with the
bridge. The rudder must be able to turn to 45⁰ to both the port and starboard side without colliding against the
engines. In the case of azipods or integrated propulsion systems, a larger command centre is often used due to the
highly sensitive nature of the equipment.
● Azipods are an interesting technological invention that allows conventional engines to be integrated with rudders.
Thus, a set of azipods are capable of achieving nearly 100% efficiency by turning in almost any direction. This
removes the need for different controls for the propulsion and steering systems. In general, controls for the port
side are colour-coded red, while the starboard side is often coded green. This allows for easier control by the
officers and seamen.
Navigation & Communication on bridge

● Navigation is a key component of a vessel that is the only means of getting the vessel safely from port to
port. Basic navigation equipment includes a Global Positioning System (GPS), Navtex receiver, Electronic
Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS), radar systems and communication channels.
● Navigation is often controlled using charts that are used to plot routes. To ensure that the vessel stays on
course, a combination of GPS and a compass system are used. The charts and equipment are stored in
separate locations to ensure the compartmentalization of the bridge. In addition to this, binoculars are
used in the daytime for sighting. However, when the weather is not clear, visibility is low or during the
night, the radar must be used to accurately place and navigate the ship.
● When using radar, a range scale must be used based on the speed and traffic around the vessel. Ships
weighing more than 10,000 gross tons must use two radars for potting their course and navigation.

● Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA), Electronic plotting Aids (EPA) and Automatic Tracking Aids (ATA)
are also a must on such vessels. Alarms to warn about impending collisions, equipment failure etc. are also
used to indicate errors. In certain zones onboard the ship, indicator lights are used to signal warnings.
Bridge guidelines & requirements

When at sea, vessels must maintain the strictest of protocols to ensure SOLAS and IMO regulations. As the bridge
controls the entire ship, it is essential that the bridge and all equipment satisfy guidelines. For navigation purposes,
the bridge must be located with a clear view both ahead and abeam.
● There must also be a minimum vision of 255⁰ present for the officer on watch (OOW), with at least 112.5⁰
visibility on both the port and starboard sides.
● For the bridge wings, the side of the vessel must be clearly visible with 180⁰ on the side
and 45⁰ to the opposite side.
● For the officer in charge of steering, 60⁰ on both sides is the minimum clear visibility.
● Ships weighing more than 10,000 gross tonnages must include a single X band – 9 GHz frequency radar.
This is according to IMO guidelines for navigation and steering.
● In case of any contingencies, alarms are positioned at all zones onboard the vessel.
These alarms indicate failure of various equipment on the bridge.
● In addition, failure or damage from other parts of the ship is also relayed back to the bridge for immediate
action. If there is no response from the officer on watch, a backup alarm is signalled after a duration of 30
seconds. This backup alarm is sounded in the offices, mess and cabins indicating a need for assistance.
Bridge procedures

● New equipment combined with the latest technologies on vessels have brought to
the front the need for familiarization with ship specific arrangements. Operators
should understand the importance of effective bridge procedures, in order to
support the conduct of safe navigation and efficient ship operations.

● Good practice on the Bridge is the result of effective management but also of
trained and familiarized bridge personnel, always aware of the dangers hiding in
over reliance on particular equipment
● Improper bridge procedures especially related to ECDIS, have many times led to near
misses or serious accidents, underlining the importance of a well-trained and
appropriately familiarized Bridge Team.
Key points to be aware of

Masters and watch keeping officers should be trained in the use of the ship’s navigation and bridge
equipment and be familiar with its operation. This demands to concentrate on:
● The contents and use of operating manuals with particular reference to configuring safety critical
features
● How equipment and software updates are managed and verify that updates have been applied
● Procedures for identifying equipment failures and responding to them, and
● The capabilities and limitations of systems and equipment

Officer of the Watch (OOW) should be familiar with all bridge equipment in order to ensure the safe
navigation procedures. Additionally, OOW’s responsibility is to:
● understand the status capabilities and limitations of all bridge equipment
● effectively operate the bridge equipment
● learn to respond immediately and correctly to warning alarms in case of emergency
Steps to ensure personnel familiarization

● In accordance with the requirements of the ISM Code and the STCW Convention, the
operator should establish a system for the familiarization of personnel with ship
equipment and onboard procedures.

● The familiarization procedures should be included in the SMS and written instructions
should be provided to the Master for the members of the Bridge Team.
● There should be defined a reasonable period of time for familiarization and there should
be allocated a designated officer responsible for providing familiarization.
● The training should be delivered on a one to one basis in a common language and should
be supported by using a checklist, to ensure that it covers all bridge equipment and
procedures appropriate to the duties and responsibilities of individual members of Bridge
Team.
Importance of training

● Concerning the computer-based systems, the familiarization with the

equipment as installed on board a particular ship will always be required, given
the fact that, there can be differences between the equipment installed on
different ships, even within the same fleet.

● ECDIS, for instance, is particularly complex and it is necessary for any system the
familiarization take place on shore before joining a ship.
● Self-teaching manuals, videos or computer-based training (CBT) programs are
effective methods to be used on board to support familiarization. However,
these methods should complement rather than replace one to one training with
equipment and procedures.
A valuable checklist to ensure bridge equipment familiarization

1.Compass and heading devices 11.Passage planning and monitoring

2.Radar and radar plotting aids 12.AIS
3.Echo sounder 13.Alarm systems
4.Speed and distance logs 14.Voyage recording
5.GMDSS (including maritime safety information) 15.Navigation lights, shapes and signaling
6.Position fixing systems equipment
7.General bridge equipment 16.Emergency equipment and security
8.Communications 17.Vessel specific equipment
9.Propulsion and steering
10.Orders and Logs
 Integrated Bridge Systems (IBS) are
designed to combine systems, which are
interconnected to allow centralized
What is Integrated bridge monitoring of sensor information and
control of a number of operations such as
system (IBS)? passage execution, communications,
machinery control, safety and security.
Features of IBS

● IBS is not mandatory. Various designs are offered by classification societies and
factors taken into account are the design of the bridge, type of equipment fitted and
the layout of that equipment on the bridge.
● Design of the IBS should be such that failure of one sub-system does not cause the
failure of another and the OOW knows about the failure immediately.
● In a navigation management system, the link is provided between charts, position-
fixing system, the log, the gyrocompass and the autopilot.
● The IBS has an alarm system provided to warn the OOW if a potential dangerous
situation arises. The alarm system is connected to radar, gyro, autopilot, position-
fixing systems, ECDIS, the steering gear and the power distribution system
Features of IBS
● There should be watch safety or fitness alarm to transfer the alarm to cabins within
30 seconds, if the OOW fails to acknowledge the alarm. An interval timer for setting
alarm intervals of up to 12 minutes should be part of the system. A number of alarm
acknowledge points, each with a pre-warning alarm to give the OOW notice that the
alarm is about to be activated should be available around the bridge.
● If the fitness time interval expires, an alarm should sound away from the bridge.
Clear guidelines are to be written in the shipboard operation procedure manual with
advice as to when to commence and when to suspend the use of IBS.
● Over-reliance on automatic systems with OOW not paying proper attention to visual
navigational Watch keeping techniques can be very dangerous.
What is difference between Integrated Bridge Systems or IBS
And Integrated Navigation Systems or INS ?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIElq0KjncY
Integrated Navigation Systems (INS)

Integrated Navigation Systems (INS) are designed to evaluate and combine the
inputs from several sensors, to provide navigational information, warning of dangers
and indication of degradation or Failure of one IBS sub-system must trigger a visual
and audible alarm and must not cause failure of any other sub-system:-
• Should a sub-system of an INS fail the watch keeper should be able to operate
all the other components of the system independently.
• Watch keepers must be familiar with the operation of IBS and INS and in
particular must be familiar with the alarms and be able to operate any over-ride
arrangements in case of a system failure. Clear instructions must be available
for the systems.
Features of INS

● INS is the means by which all of the ship’s navigation and propulsion devices work
together as one entity.  Better watch standing and safer navigation is the outturn.
● Work stations situated at the main navigation console, chart table and bridge wings
are essentially identically built display-control units on a single high-speed network.  
● Each of the navigational tasks can be carried out at any one of these workstations:
collision avoidance, route monitoring, route planning and alert management. Every
bit of navigation control data is seen at one place without having to walk around to
scattered display devices.
Features of INS

● Alert management is one of the most vital aspects of the INS philosophy.  Every alert (an
alert is any abnormal condition) is classified by the INS, according to its relative urgency,
as an alarm, a warning or a caution.  Each of the three types is reported differently in
terms of the visual and audible signals emitted and the messages displayed.  Deliberately
controlling alerts in this way does away with the confusion of bridge alarms sounding off
together, drowning each other out.  High priority alerts are announced with greater
urgency than less important ones.
● The information handled by the INS includes: Radar, AIS, ECDIS, heading, rate-of-turn
(ROT), course (COG), depth (under keel clearance), position, speed (STW and SOG), rudder
angle, propulsion data, true and relative wind direction and speed, time and distance to
wheel-over or to the next waypoint, steering and speed control mode and Navtex
messages.
● The INS provides for navigation control to be exercised both manually and automatically.