oSIST prEN IEC 62616:2026

Navigations- und Funkkommunikationsgeräte und -systeme für die Seeschifffahrt - Wachalarmsystem für die Kommandobrücke (BNWAS)

Equipements et systèmes de navigation et de radiocommunication maritimes - Système d'alarme pour la surveillance de l'activité de navigation sur le pont

Pomorska navigacija ter radiokomunikacijska oprema in sistemi - Opazovalni alarmni sistem za navigacijo na mostu

General Information

• Status: Not Published
• Public Enquiry End Date: 25-Jun-2026
• ICS: 47.020.70 - Navigation and control equipment
• Technical Committee: I11 - Imaginarni 11
• Current Stage: 4020 - Public enquire (PE) (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 09-Apr-2026
• Due Date: 27-Aug-2026
• Completion Date: 27-May-2026
• Ref Project: prEN IEC 62616:2026 - Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems - Bridge navigational watch alarm system (BNWAS)

Relations

• Revises: SIST EN 62616:2010 - Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems - Bridge navigational watch alarm system (BNWAS) - Performance requirements, methods of testing and required test results (IEC 62616:2010)
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2026

Overview

The draft standard oSIST prEN IEC 62616:2026 addresses performance, technical requirements, and testing methods for Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm Systems (BNWAS), critical for safety in maritime navigation. Developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and adopted by CLC, this standard ensures BNWAS effectively monitors bridge activity and alerts appropriate crew members should the Officer of the Watch (OOW) become incapacitated. Its application is aligned with IMO SOLAS regulations, contributing to safer seafaring and improved bridge management.

Key Topics

oSIST prEN IEC 62616:2026 focuses on several essential aspects to optimize BNWAS use and compliance:

• Performance and Functional Requirements

  • Operational modes: Automatic, Manual ON, Manual OFF
  • Visual and audible alarm sequences with programmable dormant periods (3, 6, 12 minutes)
  • Reset functions requiring a single operator action to restart monitoring
  • Emergency call and alarm transfer capabilities to alert back-up officers and crew

• Technical and Safety Features

  • Timeliness and accuracy of alarm activation under various environmental conditions
  • Security protection of operational mode and dormant settings, restricted to the Master
  • Reliability in the event of power failure, with status signals and back-up (battery) supply

• Ergonomics and Human Factors

  • Controls and indications designed for usability and clarity, including night vision-compatible visual alarms
  • Consistent, easily identifiable tones for different alarm stages
  • Operational controls and reset devices illuminated for night use and uniform in design

• Design, Installation, and Documentation

  • Equipment tamper-proofing to prevent unauthorized interference
  • Clear guidelines for installation according to shipboard requirements
  • Comprehensive installation and user documentation ensuring proper configuration and operation

Applications

A Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System (BNWAS) is mandatory under international maritime law for most sea-going vessels to enhance bridge and navigation safety. Specific real-world applications include:

• Commercial Shipping: Ensuring continuous watchkeeping and readiness, particularly when navigating with minimal crew.
• Passenger Vessels: Providing multiple-stage alerts and emergency escalation to facilitate rapid intervention.
• Integrated Bridge Systems (IBS): Allowing BNWAS functions to be incorporated with radar, ECDIS, and track control systems to centralize watchkeeping and alarm management.
• Compliance: Assisting shipping companies and vessel operators in meeting SOLAS chapter V and IMO performance standards, preventing penalties and ensuring eligibility for international trade.

Related Standards

To ensure compatibility, safety, and regulatory compliance, oSIST prEN IEC 62616:2026 references several key international standards:

• IEC 60945 - Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment - General requirements
• IEC 61162 (Parts 1, 2, 450) - Digital interfaces for maritime communication
• IEC 62288 - Presentation of navigation-related information on shipborne displays
• IEC 62923-1 & IEC 62923-2 - Bridge alert management requirements and features
• IMO Resolution MSC.128(75) - Performance standards for BNWAS
• IMO Resolution A.694(17), A.1021(26), MSC.302(87), MSC.333(90) - General requirements, code on alerts and indicators, and related alert management guidance

By following oSIST prEN IEC 62616:2026, maritime organizations, BNWAS manufacturers, and system integrators can ensure optimal safety, regulatory compliance, and seamless operation within the global framework for shipboard navigation and control equipment.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-junij-2026
Pomorska navigacija ter radiokomunikacijska oprema in sistemi - Opazovalni
alarmni sistem za navigacijo na mostu
Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems - Bridge
navigational watch alarm system (BNWAS)
Navigations- und Funkkommunikationsgeräte und -systeme für die Seeschifffahrt -
Wachalarmsystem für die Kommandobrücke (BNWAS)
Equipements et systèmes de navigation et de radiocommunication maritimes - Système
d'alarme pour la surveillance de l'activité de navigation sur le pont
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN IEC 62616:2026
ICS:
47.020.70 Navigacijska in krmilna Navigation and control
oprema equipment
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

80/1183/CDV
COMMITTEE DRAFT FOR VOTE (CDV)
PROJECT NUMBER:
IEC 62616 ED2
DATE OF CIRCULATION: CLOSING DATE FOR VOTING:
2026-04-03 2026-06-26
SUPERSEDES DOCUMENTS:
80/1162/CD, 80/1178/CC
IEC TC 80 : MARITIME NAVIGATION AND RADIOCOMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEMS
SECRETARIAT: SECRETARY:
United Kingdom Mr Kim Fisher
OF INTEREST TO THE FOLLOWING COMMITTEES: HORIZONTAL FUNCTION(S):

ASPECTS CONCERNED:
SUBMITTED FOR CENELEC PARALLEL VOTING NOT SUBMITTED FOR CENELEC PARALLEL VOTING
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The attention of IEC National Committees, members of
CENELEC, is drawn to the fact that this Committee Draft
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This document is still under study and subject to change. It should not be used for reference purposes.
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Recipients of this document are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant “In Some
Countries” clauses to be included should this proposal proceed. Recipients are reminded that the CDV stage is
the final stage for submitting ISC clauses. (SEE AC/22/2007 OR NEW GUIDANCE DOC).

TITLE:
Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems - Bridge navigational
watch alarm system (BNWAS)
PROPOSED STABILITY DATE: 2031
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CONTENTS
CONTENTS . 3
FOREWORD . 5
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 8
4 Performance requirements . 9
4.1 Functionality . 9
4.1.1 Operational modes . 9
4.1.2 Operational sequence of visual and audible indications . 9
4.1.3 Reset function . 10
4.1.4 Emergency call facility and transfer of alarms . 11
4.2 Accuracy . 12
4.3 Security . 12
4.4 Malfunctions, alarms and indications . 12
5 Ergonomic criteria requirements . 13
5.1 Operational controls . 13
5.2 Presentation of information . 13
5.2.1 Operational mode indication . 13
5.2.2 Visual indications. 13
5.2.3 First stage bridge audible indication . 13
5.2.4 Second and third stage remote audible indication . 13
5.2.5 State of remote audible indication . 14
6 Design and installation requirements . 14
6.1 General . 14
6.2 Specific requirements . 14
6.2.1 System physical integrity . 14
6.2.2 Reset devices . 14
6.3 Power supply . 14
6.4 Installation documentation . 15
7 Interfacing requirements . 15
7.1 Inputs . 15
7.2 Outputs . 15
8 Test methods and required test results . 16
8.1 General . 16
8.2 General requirements . 17
8.3 Display of information . 17
8.4 Operational tests . 17
8.4.1 General . 17
8.4.2 Operational modes . 17
8.4.3 Dormant period . 17
8.4.4 Audible indications (3.1) . 18
8.4.5 Audible indication (3.1) alternatives . 18
8.4.6 Description of reset function . 18
8.4.7 Initiation of reset function . 18
8.4.8 Continuous reset activation . 19
8.4.9 Emergency call facility and transfer of alarms . 19
IEC CDV 62616 © IEC 2026
8.4.10 Accuracy . 19
8.4.11 Security . 19
8.4.12 Malfunction . 19
8.4.13 Operational controls . 20
8.4.14 Operational mode indication . 20
8.4.15 Visual indications. 20
8.4.16 First stage bridge audible indication . 20
8.4.17 Second and third stage remote audible indication . 20
8.4.18 State of remote audible indication . 20
8.4.19 Design and installation general . 21
8.4.20 System physical integrity . 21
8.4.21 Reset devices . 21
8.4.22 Power supply . 21
8.4.23 Installation documentation . 21
8.4.24 Interfacing . 21
Annex A (normative) Installation considerations . 22
A.1 General . 22
A.2 Location of reset function . 22
A.3 Reset facilities . 22
A.4 Visual indications . 22
A.5 First stage bridge audible indication . 22
Annex B (normative) Classification of alerts . 23
Bibliography . 24

Figure 1 – Call sequence without reset . 9

Table B.1 – Classification of alerts for BNWAS . 23

IEC CDV 62616 © IEC 2026
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems -
Bridge navigational watch alarm system (BNWAS)

FOREWORD
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standardization comprising all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees).
The object of IEC is to promote international co-operation on all questions concerning
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8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced
publications is indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) IEC draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve
the use of (a) patent(s). IEC takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability
of any claimed patent rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document,
IEC [had/had not] received notice of (a) patent(s), which may be required to implement this
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IEC CDV 62616 © IEC 2026
information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at https://patents.iec.ch.
IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
IEC 62616 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 80: Maritime navigation and
radiocommunication equipment and systems. It is an International Standard.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2010, corrigendum
1:2012. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) introduction of bridge alert management (MSC.302(87), IEC 62923-1; IEC 62923-2);
b) updating to IMO Resolutions A.1021(26) and MSC.333(90);
c) addition of a new Clause 3 for Terms and definitions;
d) addition of a new Annex B for Classification of alerts;
e) the period of operation of the battery maintained supply has been reduced from 6 h to 0,5 h
to align with SOLAS 11-1.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
80/XX/FDIS 80/XX/RVD
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English [change
language if necessary].
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC are
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The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the data related to the
specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn, or
• revised.
IEC CDV 62616 © IEC 2026
1 Scope
This document specifies the minimum performance requirements, technical characteristics and
test methods, and required test results, for a bridge navigational watch alarm system (BNWAS)
as required by Chapter V of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea
(SOLAS)[1], as amended. It takes account of the general requirements given in IMO resolution
A.694(17) and is associated with IEC 60945. It also takes into account IMO Resolution
MSC.302(87)[2], to which IEC 62923-1 and IEC 62923-2 are associated.
This standard incorporates the performance standards included in IMO Resolution
MSC.128(75).
NOTE 1 All text of this standard, whose wording is identical to that of IMO Resolution MSC.128(75) Annex, is printed
in italics, and the resolution and associated performance standard paragraph numbers are indicated in brackets
(128/Ax).
(128/A1) The purpose of a bridge navigational watch alarm system (BNWAS) is to monitor
bridge activity and detect operator disability which could lead to marine accidents. The system
monitors the awareness of the Officer of the Watch (OOW) and automatically calls for the Master
or another qualified OOW if for any reason the OOW becomes incapable of performing the
OOW's duties. This purpose is achieved by a series of visual indications and audible indications
(3.1) to call first the OOW and, if he is not responding, then to call the Master or another
qualified OOW. Additionally, the BNWAS may provide the OOW with a means of calling for
immediate assistance if required. The BNWAS should be operational whenever the ship is
underway at sea (SOLAS[1] V/19.2.2.3).
NOTE 2 BNWAS can, in practice, be realised as a stand alone equipment or be integrated in other equipment such
as INS, radar, ECDIS, etc.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies.
For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 60945, Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems - General
requirements - Methods of testing and required test results
IEC 61162-1, Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems - Digital
interfaces - Part 1: Single talker and multiple listeners
IEC 61162-2, Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems - Digital
interfaces - Part 2: Single talker and multiple listeners, high-speed transmission
IEC 61162-450, Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems - Digital
interfaces - Part 450: Multiple talkers and multiple listeners - Ethernet interconnection
IEC 62288, Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems - Presentation
of navigation-related information on shipborne navigational displays - General requirements,
methods of testing and required test results
IEC 62923-1, Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems - Bridge
alert management - Part 1: Operational and performance requirements, methods of testing and
required test results
IEC 62923-2, Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems - Bridge
alert management - Part 2: Alert and cluster identifiers and other additional features
IEC CDV 62616 © IEC 2026
IMO MSC/Circ.982 Guidelines on Ergonomic Criteria for Bridge equipment and Layout
IMO Resolution A.694(17), General requirements for shipborne radio equipment forming part of
the Global maritime distress and safety system and for electronic navigational aids
IMO Resolution A.813(19), General requirements for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) for
all electrical and electronic ship's equipment
IMO Resolution A.1021(26), Code on alerts and indicators
IMO Resolution MSC.128(75), Recommendation on performance standards for a bridge
navigational watch alarm system (BNWAS)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
– IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
– ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
audible indication
sound from the EUT that is not associated with raising an alert of priority alarm or warning in
the list of active alerts of the EUT
EXAMPLE 1 BNWAS signals to call the OOW, back-up officer or master due to bridge inactivity
EXAMPLE 2 Table 7.1.1. of IMO Resolution A.1021(26)
[SOURCE: IEC 62923-1, 3.1.13]
3.2
bridge
wheelhouse and bridge wings
[SOURCE: IMO Resolution MSC.128(75)]
3.3
mental alertness
situation where the OOW executes consciously intended operations or makes movements that
are not caused by vibration or movement of the ship
3.4
single operator action
procedure achieved by no more than one hard-key or soft-key action, excluding any necessary
cursor movements, or voice activation using programmed codes
[SOURCE: Source: IMO Resolution MSC.252(83) Annex 1 [3]]
IEC CDV 62616 © IEC 2026
4 Performance requirements
4.1 Functionality
4.1.1 Operational modes
(See 8.4.2)
(128/A4.1.1.1) The BNWAS shall incorporate the following operational modes:
• Automatic (Automatically brought into operation whenever the ship's heading or track control
system is activated and inhibited when this system is not activated)
• Manual ON (In operation constantly)
• Manual OFF (Does not operate under any circumstances)
NOTE IMO Circular MSC.1/Circ.1474[4] determines that the Automatic mode is not to be used on a ship conforming
with SOLAS[1] Regulation V/19.2.2.3, which requires the BNWAS to be in operation whenever the ship is underway
at sea.
The user manual shall contain instructions that the automatic mode should not be used on ships
conforming with SOLAS.
4.1.2 Operational sequence of visual and audible indications
4.1.2.1 Dormant period
(See 8.4.3)
(128/A4.1.2.1) Once operational, the bridge navigational watch alarm system shall remain
dormant for a period of between 3 and 12 min (Td). It shall at least be possible (see 5.1, list
item b)) to set the duration of the dormant period to 3, 6 and 12 minutes.
(128/A4.1.2.2) At the end of this dormant period, the bridge navigational watch alarm system
shall initiate a visual indication on the bridge (3.2). See Figure 1 and 5.2.2 .

Figure 1 – Call sequence without reset
4.1.2.2 First stage bridge audible indication
(See 8.4.4)
(128/A4.1.2.3) If not reset, the BNWAS shall additionally sound a first stage audible indication
on the bridge (3.2) 15 s after the visual indication is initiated. See Figure 1 and 5.2.3 .
4.1.2.3 Second stage remote audible indication
(See 8.4.4)
IEC CDV 62616 © IEC 2026
(128/A4.1.2.4) If not reset, the BNWAS shall additionally sound a second stage remote audible
indication in the back-up officer's and/or Master's location 15 s after the first stage audible
indication is initiated. See Figure 1, 4.1.2.5 and 5.2.4 .
NOTE The location usually includes at least the cabins and office space of the back -up officer(s) and master(s).
4.1.2.4 Third stage remote audible indication
(See 8.4.4)
(128/A4.1.2.5) If not reset, the BNWAS shall additionally sound a third stage remote audible
indication at the locations of further crew members capable of taking corrective actions 90 s
after the second stage remote audible indication is initiated. See Figure 1, 4.1.2.5 and 5.2.4 .
4.1.2.5 Audible indication (3.1) alternatives
(See 8.4.5 and 8.4.23)
(128/A4.1.2.6) In vessels other than passenger vessels, the second or third stage remote
audible indications may sound in all the above locations at the same time (see 4.1.2.3 and
4.1.2.4). If the second stage audible indication is sounded in this way, the third stage audible
indication may be omitted.
Installation set-up facilities shall be provided to sound the second or third stage remote audible
indications in all the above locations at the same time (see 4.1.2.3 and 4.1.2.4) and, if the
second stage remote audible indication is sounded in all the above locations at the same time,
to omit the third stage audible indication. The installation manual shall contain instructions that
these set-up(s) shall not be configured for passenger vessels.
(128/A4.1.2.7) In larger vessels, the delay between the second and third stage audible
indications may be set to a longer value on installation, up to a maximum of 3 min, to allow
sufficient time for the back-up officer and/or Master to reach the bridge (3.2).
Installation set-up facilities shall be provided to increase the delay between the second and
third stage audible indications to up to 3 min.
The installation manual shall contain instructions that the configuration of the longer delay is
only allowed in larger vessels, and is to be proportional to the time needed for the back -up
officer and/or the master to reach the bridge (3.2) from the place the remote audible indication
(3.1) is provided to them.
4.1.3 Reset function
4.1.3.1 Description of reset function
(See 8.4.6)
(128/A4.1.3.2) The reset function shall, by a single operator action (3.4), cancel the visual
indication and all audible indications (3.1) and initiate a further dormant period. If the reset
function is activated before the end of the dormant period, the period shall be re-initiated to run
for its full duration from the time of the reset.
The reset function shall not stop an activated emergency call (see 4.1.4), except when the reset
device is a manual reset device.
4.1.3.2 Initiation of reset function
(See 8.4.7)
IEC CDV 62616 © IEC 2026
(128/A4.1.3.3) To initiate the reset function, an input representing a single operator action (3.4)
by the OOW is required. This input may be generated by reset devices forming an integral part
of the BNWAS (see 6.2.2) or by external inputs from other equipment capable of registering
physical activity and mental alertness (3.3) of the OOW (see 7.1 and 8.4.7).
th
NOTE 1 The IMO subcommittee on the safety of navigation at its 55 session (NAV 55/21) described three methods
for the reset function as follows:
a) by a single operator action (3.4) from a device forming an integral part of the BNWAS, for example
a manually operated button or a touch screen; or
b) by external inputs from other equipment registering physical activity, for example sensors
preferably detecting the presence and movements of a human body or floor pressure pads
detecting movement of a human; or
c) by external inputs from other equipment registering mental alertness (3.3)
...