Chapter 18 - Navigational Equipment and Visibility from Wheelhouse
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - MCA Publications - Yacht Code - January 2019 Edition - Part A - Large Yacht Code (up to 12 passengers) - Chapter 18 - Navigational Equipment and Visibility from Wheelhouse

Chapter 18 - Navigational Equipment and Visibility from Wheelhouse

18.1 General Requirements

(1) A vessel shall be fitted with the following:

  • (a) A properly adjusted standard magnetic compass or other means, independent of any power supply, to determine the ship’s heading.

  • (b) In a steel vessel, it shall be possible to correct the compass for co-efficients B, C and D, and heeling error.

  • (c) The magnetic compass or repeater shall be so positioned as to be clearly readable by the helmsman at the main steering position. It shall also be provided with an electric light, the electric power supply of which shall be on the main and emergency source of power.

(2) A vessel shall be fitted with the following additional equipment:

  • (a) an echo sounder;

  • (b) a receiver for a global navigation satellite system or a terrestrial radio-navigation system, or other means suitable for use at all times throughout the intended voyage, to establish and update the ship’s position by automatic means;

  • (c) speed and distance measuring device, or other means, to indicate speed and distance through the water;

  • (d) a gyro compass or spare magnetic compass bowl;

  • (e) a rudder angle indicator; and

  • (f) a 9 GHz radar.

(3) For vessels of less than 300GT the equipment specified in 18.1(1) and 18.1(2) need not be of an approved type.

(4) For vessels of more than 500GT, an automatic tracking aid, or other means, to plot automatically the range and bearing of other targets to determine collision risk shall be carried.

(5) Means shall be provided for taking bearings as near as practicable over an arc of the horizon of 360º. This requirement may be met by the fitting of a pelorus compass, or, on a vessel other than a steel vessel, with a hand bearing compass.

(6) For vessels under 300GT the requirements of 18.1(2)(d) may be met by the use of a fluxgate compass, provided that a suitable back up power supply is available to power the compass in the event of failure of the main electrical supply. Where such a compass incorporates a capability to measure magnetic deviation by undertaking a calibration routine, and where the deviation figures are recorded within the device, a deviation card is not required.

(7) Attention shall be paid to magnetic effects on magnetic compasses, including fluxgate compasses, when operating in Polar Regions (i.e. north of 70° N, or south of 70° S).

18.2 Automatic Identification System (AIS)

(1) All vessels of 300GT and over shall be fitted with an approved automatic identification system (AIS) in accordance with SOLAS Chapter V. The AIS shall:

  • (a) provide automatically to appropriately equipped shore stations, other ships and aircraft, information including the ships identity, type, position, course, speed, navigational status and other safety related information;

  • (b) receive automatically such information from similarly fitted ships;

  • (c) monitor and track ships; and

  • (d) exchange data with shore- based facilities.

18.3 Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT)

(1) All vessels of 300GT and over, unless operating solely within sea area A1, shall be fitted with a Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) system to automatically transmit the identity of the ship; the position of the ship, (latitude and longitude); and the date and time of position provided. The required shipborne equipment shall as a minimum as follows:

  • (a) be capable of automatically, and without human intervention onboard the ship, transmitting the ship’s LRIT information at 6-hour intervals to an LRIT Data Centre;

  • (b) be capable of being configured remotely to transmit LRIT information at variable intervals;

  • (c) be capable of transmitting LRIT information following receipt of polling commands;

  • (d) interface directly to the shipborne global navigation satellite system equipment, or have internal positioning capability;

  • (e) be supplied with energy from the main and emergency source of electrical power; and

  • (f) be tested for electromagnetic compatibility taking into account the recommendations developed by the IMO.

  • (g) The current list of Authorised Testing Application Service Providers (ATASP’s) are contained in Marine Information Note MIN 343, as may be amended.

18.4 Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System (BNWAS)

(1) All vessels of 150GT and over shall be fitted with a bridge navigational watch alarm system (BNWAS), in accordance with SOLAS V/19 as follows:

  • (a) A bridge navigational watch alarm system (BNWAS) installed prior to 1 July 2011 may subsequently be exempted from full compliance with the standards adopted by the IMO, at the discretion of the Administration.

  • (b) The bridge navigational watch alarm system shall be in operation whenever the ship is underway at sea.

  • (c) Vessels of 3000GT and over shall comply with the requirements of SOLAS V/19.

18.5 Additional Requirements for Vessels of 3000GT and Over

(1) To assist in casualty investigations, vessels shall be fitted with a voyage data recorder (VDR);

(2) Vessels shall be fitted with an Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) (see also Section 19.1 on Nautical Publication);

(3) A 3 GHz radar or where considered appropriate by the Administration a second 9 GHz radar, or other means, to determine and display the range and bearing of other surface craft, obstructions, buoys, shorelines and navigational marks to assist in navigation and in collision avoidance, which are functionally independent of those referred to in Section 18.1(2); and

(4) A second automatic tracking aid, or other means, to plot automatically the range and bearing of other targets to determine collision risk which are functionally independent of those referred to in Section 18.1(4).

18.6 Bridge Visibility

(1) Navigation bridge visibility shall comply with SOLAS V/22. Vessels under 55 metres in length shall comply as far as reasonable and practicable.

(2) Windows may be vertical swept aft or forward outside of the angles prescribed by SOLAS V/22.9.1, provided that where necessary, appropriate measures are taken to avoid adverse reflections

(3) Windows to the navigating position shall not be of either polarised or tinted glass Portable tinted screens may be provided for selected windows.

(4) Where the ship's side cannot be fully visible from the bridge wing, wing station or manoeuvring station, the use of cameras may be specially considered by the Administration giving consideration to image quality, night vision, display screen size and location.

18.7 Additional Equivalence Considerations

(1) None

Parent topic: Part A - Large Yacht Code (up to 12 passengers)
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