Location on

Equipment Definition Function / Use Bridge Limitations / Errors

On monkey island
A compass using Shows ship’s heading (standard Affected by magnetic
Magnetic Earth’s magnetic deviation and
Compass field to show (magnetic north). Used compass) and a variation; errors due to
direction. as backup if gyro fails. repeater on bridge nearby metal objects.
console.

In gyro room
Compass that uses a (below bridge), Errors due to latitude,
fast-spinning Gives true heading for speed, or acceleration;
Gyro Compass gyroscope to find navigation and autopilot. with repeaters on needs power and
true north. bridge, wings, maintenance.
ECDIS, radar, etc.

Bearing Used to fix ship’s On bridge wing or

Device for taking Human error, vessel
Compass / position by taking near window for
bearings of objects. movement, parallax.
Pelorus bearings of landmarks. clear view.

Display on bridge
Device that measures Indicates depth under Errors due to sound
console,
Echo Sounder depth using sound speed variation, false
keel to avoid grounding. transducer under
waves. echoes in soft seabeds.
hull.

Measures ship’s Used for navigation and Display on bridge; Errors in shallow
Speed Log
speed through water for calculating ETA, transducer fitted water, heavy seas, or
(Doppler Log)
using Doppler effect. position. in bottom hull. currents.

Signal loss near high

Satellite-based Gives ship’s position, Display unit on
GPS cliffs, jamming, or
navigation system. speed, and time. bridge console.
spoofing.

Electronic Chart Digital chart for route Power/electronic

Main navigation
ECDIS Display and planning and failure, wrong settings,
console on bridge.
Information System. monitoring. or outdated charts.

Radio detection Detects other ships and

Both radars on Clutter, rain, sea return,
Radar (X- device showing land; used for collision
bridge front shadow sectors, range
band/S-band) targets using radio avoidance and console. errors.
waves. navigation.

Target swap, false

ARPA (Radar Automatic Radar Tracks targets and Built into radar
tracking, or errors in
function) Plotting Aid. calculates CPA/TCPA. display.
input data.
 On GMDSS
Automatic Transmits/receives ship console or Wrong manual input,
AIS Identification data (name, position, signal range limit
System. speed). separate screen on (~20–30 NM).
bridge.

Helmsman Human delay, over-

Steering Wheel / Manual control of Used to steer ship position at centre steering, mechanical
Helm rudder direction. manually.
bridge console. fault.

Automatic steering Fails if gyro or

Autopilot / Gyro system using gyro Keeps ship on set course Integrated with electrical power fails;
Pilot automatically. helm console.
compass input. needs supervision.

Lag due to sensor

Rudder Angle Shows how far Helps monitor rudder Above helm or
delay or calibration
Indicator rudder is turned. position. steering console.
error.

May lag at low speed

Rate of Turn Shows turning rate Helps maintain Near helmsman
or due to gyro input
Indicator (degrees per minute). controlled turns. console.
error.

Engine Communicates or Sends orders to engine Center bridge Signal failure or delay,
Telegraph / controls engine speed room or controls console or both wrong order
Control Lever and direction. propulsion. bridge wings. communication.

Ineffective at high
Thruster Controls bow/stern Used during berthing or
On bridge wings. speed, hydraulic faults
Controls thrusters. close manoeuvring.
possible.
 Limitations /
Equipment Definition Function / Use Location on Bridge Errors

Affected by rain,
X-Band Radar (9 High-frequency radar Detects small Main radar display sea clutter, and
giving detailed short- objects, buoys, and
GHz) range image. nearby vessels. on bridge console. limited long-range
detection.

Used for long-range

S-Band Radar (3 Low-frequency radar detection and Separate radar Lower resolution
for long range and poor display beside X- than X-band; large
GHz) weather. navigation in band. antenna size.
rain/fog.

Calculates
Radar system that CPA/TCPA, target Errors if radar not
ARPA (Automatic Integrated in radar
Radar Plotting Aid) automatically tracks
course, and speed stabilized; false or
display.
targets. for collision lost targets.
avoidance.

Aids collision
Transmits and AIS unit or Range limited
AIS (Automatic avoidance and VTS
receives vessel integrated on (~20–30 NM),
Identification (Vessel Traffic
System) identity and Services)
radar/ECDIS wrong data if not
movement data. communication.
display. updated.

GMDSS Console Sends distress alerts, Needs proper

Set of communication
(Global Maritime receives MSI On communication watchkeeping;
devices for distress and
Distress and Safety (Maritime Safety side of bridge. system failure if
safety.
System) Information). power lost.

Used for ship-to- Line-of-sight only

VHF Radio (Very Short-range radio ship and ship-to- On bridge console (~20–25 NM);
High Frequency) communication system. shore and both wings. interference
communication. possible.

Long-range voice Dependent on

Medium & high-
and DSC (Digital In GMDSS console ionospheric
MF/HF Radio frequency
communication system. Selective Calling) area. conditions; may
communication. have static noise.

Expensive, signal
Inmarsat / VSAT For worldwide
Satellite-based ship Near GMDSS can drop in bad
(Satellite voice, email, and
Communication) communication. distress alerts. console. weather or near
poles.

Provides coastal Range limited

NAVTEX Receiver Receives navigational MSI (Navigational Installed near (~300 NM); needs
and weather warnings warnings, weather GMDSS station. frequency
automatically. reports). selection.

Automatically Must be registered

EPIRB (Emergency Distress beacon that activates when ship Mounted on bridge and maintained;
Position Indicating sends ship’s position via
Radio Beacon) satellite. sinks; helps rescue wing or open deck. may float away
coordination. falsely.

SART (Search and Responds to radar to Displays dots/arcs Range limited (~8–
Rescue help locate lifeboats or on rescuing ship’s Stored in bridge or 10 NM to X-band
lifeboat station.
Transponder) survivors. radar screen. radar).

BNWAS (Bridge Gives alarms if no May give false

Navigational Watch Monitors alertness of
Built into main
movement detected alarms or be turned
Officer on Watch. bridge console.
Alarm System) at intervals. off manually.

Near bridge False alarms due to

Detects fire/smoke Alerts crew to fire
Fire Alarm Panel entrance or console heat/smoke; sensor
signals from ship zones. and shows location.
side panel. malfunction.

Sounds
General Alarm Emergency alert to call Bridge console and Power failure may
simultaneously
System crew to muster stations. emergency panels. delay alarm signal.
throughout ship.

Used for navigation Air/electric failure;

Whistle / Fog Horn Operates ship’s sound Bridge console or
signals in restricted human error in
Control signalling system. wings.
visibility. timing.

Internal Connects bridge

Near conning Limited to internal
Communication Voice communication with engine room,
position and key network; no
(Talkback/Sound- inside the ship. steering gear room, areas. recording.
powered Phone) etc.
Equipment Definition Function / Use Location on Bridge Limitations / Errors

Handheld optical Used by lookout and Kept near bridge Limited field of view,
Binoculars instrument with OOW to identify ships, windows or lookout affected by vibration or
magnifying lenses. buoys, and landmarks. post. poor weather.

Electric lamp used for Sends Morse code Requires trained

Daylight Signalling Bridge wing or front
Morse light messages between ships operator; limited range
Lamp (Aldis Lamp) window.
communication. visually. at daylight.

Used for night lookout, Mounted outside Limited range in fog or

High-power adjustable
Searchlight man-overboard search, or bridge front or on rain; can dazzle other
beam light.
identifying objects. wings. ships.

Control and monitoring

Navigation Lights Operates and shows status Bulb failure; electrical
panel for navigation Bridge console.
Panel of all navigation lights. fault.
lights.

Keeps windows clear of Mechanical or

Bridge Window Motor-operated wipers Installed on bridge
rain and mist for electrical faults may
Wipers / Heaters with heating elements. front windows.
visibility. reduce visibility.

Used for clear visibility

Extended platforms on Port and starboard Exposed to weather;
Bridge Wings during berthing or
each side of bridge. sides of bridge. limited protection.
anchoring.

Helps in navigation, Display on bridge

Measures wind speed Errors due to blockage
Anemometer manoeuvring, and cargo console; sensor on top
and direction. or mechanical failure.
operations. of mast.

Reading errors if not

Measures atmospheric Used to monitor weather Mounted on bridge
Barometer corrected for
pressure. and predict storms. bulkhead.
temperature.

Chronometer / Precision time-keeping Used for navigational Mounted on bridge May drift if not wound
Bridge Clock instrument. fixes and time recording. bulkhead or console. or adjusted regularly.

Used for sound signals (in Must follow COLREG

Sound signalling On forecastle and
Bell and Gong fog, anchoring, or timing; mechanical
devices. bridge wings.
restricted visibility). wear possible.

Emits loud sound Used in restricted Controlled from bridge Limited range in high
Fog Horn / Whistle signals using air or visibility or during console; horn located wind; compressor or
electric power. manoeuvring. forward/mast. power failure.
 Records bridge audio, Works like an aircraft Main unit on bridge;
VDR (Voyage Data Data loss if sensors fail
radar, position, and “black box” for storage capsule outside
Recorder) or power cut.
engine data. investigations. (aft).

Records ship’s heading Keeps permanent record Near steering console May stop if paper jam
Course Recorder
continuously. of course steered. or gyro repeater. or power loss.

Used for depth Errors in soft seabed or

Echo Sounder Prints water depth Integrated with echo
monitoring and record wrong speed of sound
Recorder readings over time. sounder on bridge.
keeping. setting.

Paper jam or signal

Engine Telegraph Automatically records Used for reference and Attached to telegraph
failure may stop
Logger engine commands. investigation. or engine control panel.
record.

Official books for Records all navigation, Must be updated

Log Books (Deck,
recording ship communication, and Kept on bridge desk. regularly; human error
GMDSS, Bell Book)
operations. engine orders. possible.

Indicate vessel status Stored in bridge locker; Must be visible;

Signal Flags / Day Visual signalling tools
(anchored, restricted, not hoisted on signal requires correct flag
Shapes used during daytime.
under command, etc.). halyard. combination.

Used during steering

Portable compass for Bridge wing or kept in Magnetic interference;
Handheld Compass failure or outside
taking quick bearings. compass locker. user error.
bearings.

Parallel Rulers / Used on paper charts for

Manual tools for Human plotting errors;
Dividers / Chart measuring distance and Chart table on bridge.
navigation plotting. wear and tear.
Tools bearing.

Used for departure,

Clipboard / Paper documents with Chart table or conning Must be updated;
arrival, and watchkeeping
Checklists standard procedures. position. ignored in busy times.
checks.
 Gives warning if Bridge console, May cause nuisance
BNWAS (Bridge Automatic system that OOW inactive for set connected to alarm alarms if timing too
Navigational Watch ensures officer is alert
Alarm System) during watch. time; alerts master if panels in master’s short; must be
not reset. cabin. properly reset.

Electronic steering
system that Reduces manual Integrated with Gyro error or wrong
Autopilot course input causes
automatically maintains steering workload. steering console. deviation.
a set course.

Allows control of
Steering Control System of steering rudder angle Steering console Hydraulic or power
wheel, follow-up lever, and steering gear failure may cause
System and rudder control. manually or room. loss of steering.
automatically.

Helps OOW monitor

Rudder Angle Gauge showing actual Bridge console and Delay in feedback or
rudder movement
Indicator (RAI) rudder position. steering gear room. mechanical fault.
during turns.

Shows how fast the ship

Rate of Turn
is turning (degrees per Used during course Near conning
Lag or error if gyro
Indicator (ROT) alteration or pilotage. position. signal fails.
minute).

Electronic display
Gives combined
showing speed, Central console or Errors if sensors feed
Conning Display navigation data to
heading, rudder angle, forward bridge. wrong data.
OOW and pilot.
and rate of turn.

Displays and
Measures ship’s speed Bridge console,
Speed Log / transmits speed data Errors in shallow or
through water or over transducer fitted on
Doppler Log ground. to navigation ship’s bottom. rough water.
systems.

BNI (Bridge
Central monitor Simplifies Overload or power
Navigational
combining radar, monitoring of all Main console front. failure may freeze
Information ECDIS, AIS, GPS, etc. data at one place. display.
Display)

Transponder system
AIS (Automatic
that sends and receives Helps prevent
Depends on GPS;
Console near radar
Identification collision and aids data can be incorrect
System) ship’s identity, position, tracking by VTS. or ECDIS. if not updated.
speed, etc.

Requires licensed
Communication suite Includes VHF, GMDSS station
operator; equipment
GMDSS Console for distress and safety at MF/HF, Inmarsat, (usually corner of
sea. and DSC systems. bridge). breakdown delays
distress call.
 Receives navigational Prints or displays
Navtex Receiver and weather warnings text messages from Near chart table. Weak signal in some
sea areas.
automatically. coastal stations.

EPIRB (Emergency Satellite distress beacon Sends position to Mounted outside

Position Indicating that activates when ship rescue authorities via bridge or deck False activation or
battery expiry.
Radio Beacon) is in distress. satellite. (float-free bracket).

Search and Rescue

Transponder used to Shows signal on X- Mounted on bridge Limited range (~8–
SART / AIS-SART band radar of 10 nm); battery life
locate lifeboats or ships rescuing ship. or lifeboat. limited.
in distress.

Allows OOW to reset Near chart table, Must be pressed

BNWAS Remote Small reset buttons
BNWAS timer while radar, ECDIS, regularly; may be
Reset Buttons placed at key positions.
moving. bridge wings. ignored.

Near bridge
Central indicator for Shows zone of fire False alarms; sensor
Fire Alarm Panel entrance or
smoke or heat detectors. and sounds alarm. failure.
console.

Bridge console and None significant, but

General Alarm Used to alert all crew in Activates alarm bells engine control
depends on power
Panel emergency. throughout ship.
room. supply.

Intercom system for Used during Distorted sound in

Public Address
announcements to entire emergency or normal Bridge console rough weather or if
System (PA System) microphone.
ship. operations. speaker damaged.

Wired or wireless
Connects OOW with Near console or
Telephones / communication May fail if power
engine room, cargo
Intercom between bridge and control, etc. bulkhead. lost.
other stations.

Device for
communicating speed Used to control Steering console or
Engine Telegraph / Signal failure or
Control Lever orders to engine room ship’s speed engine control human error.
or controlling ahead/astern. stand.
propulsion directly.

Must be maintained;
Whistle / Horn Button or lever that Used for sound Near conning
compressor failure
Control activates ship’s whistle. signals (COLREG). position.
possible.
Clock / Displays UTC or ship’s Used for navigation Bridge bulkhead or Must be
Chronometer local time. and log entries. chart table. synchronized; battery
Repeater backup needed.