Section 1 Navigation equipment

1.1 General

1.1.1 The requirements of this Section are recommendatory and are based on best practice and consideration for continuous operation stern first for long periods of time.

1.2 Bridge layout

1.2.1 IMO Resolution A.708(17) – Navigation Bridge Visibility and Functions – (Adopted on 6 November 1991) states that ‘when ships of unconventional design cannot comply with the guidelines, Administrations should consider arrangements that provide a level of visibility that is as near as possible to the level recommended in these guidelines’. It is considered that Stern First Ice Class ships would fall into this unconventional design category.

1.2.2 Based on the precedent of ships in service with stern facing bridges but with significantly restricted aft vision (obstructions by engine casings and funnels), the level of aft vision and bridge layout provided for current designs is variable and dependent on the assumed modes of operation stern first.

1.2.3 Previous Stern First Ice Class ships have adopted variations on bridge wing orientation and funnel location in order to maximise bridge visibility. The arrangements shown in Table 5.1.1 Recommended bridge layouts based on practices adopted for existing Stern First Ice Class Ships may be used as recommended means to satisfy visibility criteria.

Table 5.1.1 Recommended bridge layouts based on practices adopted for existing Stern First Ice Class Ships


(a) Twin funnel – swept bridge wings		(b) Single funnel – engine casing through wheel house
Stern facing	Bow facing	Stern facing	Bow facing

(c) Single offset funnel		d) Twin funnel – straight bridge wings
	location of bridge consoles		location of funnels

1.3 Changeover of control

1.3.1 The purpose of the changeover of control requirements is to ensure the bridge operator can identify which workstations are in control for the mode of operation and to indicate, for example, which navigation lights are illuminated.

1.4 Navigation lights

1.4.1 Practice adopted for previous Stern First Ice Class ships has included two sets of navigation lights for bow first and stern first navigation. This includes a complete set of double tier lights for both operating modes.

1.4.2 Typically, the following sets of navigation lights would be provided for stern first navigation in addition to those for bow first navigation:

1 pair of side lights with double bulbs;
2 top lamps with double bulbs;
1 stern lamp with double bulbs.

1.4.3 The requirements for navigation lights are based on consideration of statutory requirements for navigation. It is recommended that the National Administration to which the ship is registered be consulted to confirm arrangements and requirements with particular respect to the actual light positioning.