As deadline nears, Coast Guard approves Furuno BNWAS

The following is the text of a press release issued by Furuno USA:

 

(CAMAS, Wash.) — With the primary fitting date of July 12th, 2012 rapidly
approaching, many skippers of existing passenger and cargo vessels are looking for a
comprehensive, reliable BNWAS system that not only meets IMO & USCG requirements,
but also delivers a simplified, turn-key installation. With this in mind, Furuno is pleased to
announce that the BR500 BNWAS (Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System) is IMO
approved and USCG Certified, and is available for use on vessels in the United States.


This important certification allows for use of the BR500 on vessels of all sizes and types
in U.S. waters. The BR500 also meets the proposed CFR Subchapter M regulation
§143.325 that will affect all towing vessels in the United States.


The BR500 is an alarm/alert system that monitors the watch officer's presence on the
bridge for casualty avoidance. The system will initiate a predetermined sequence of
alarms if it senses inactivity on the bridge for a set period of time. Means of resetting the
watch time include: operation of either ECDIS or Radar with appropriate outputs,
pressing a timer reset button, or activating an optionally available IR motion sensor
during normal bridge activity.


At its core, the Furuno BR500 consists of a Processor Unit and Main Alarm Panel. From
these core units, the system can be expanded to facilitate the specific configuration
required for any vessel to satisfy IMO & USCG requirements.

The Furuno BR500 is competitively priced, and offers a unique single-cable design that
significantly reduces the difficulty of installation in the confined spaces of both retrofits
and new builds alike. A single cable connects the processor to each of the compact
peripheral devices in the system, making external panel placement very flexible. The
Furuno single-cable design greatly simplifies installation, and is highly desired over

other BNWAS hardware configurations, which may require connection of power, battery,
sensors, and other control cables directly to the display unit. Because of Furuno’s
single-wire design, certain panels may be installed via daisy-chain configuration for
added simplicity and ease of installation. Additionally, The BR500 external processor is
ideally sized, providing ample space to easily connect all cables while remaining small
enough to install in a convenient, accessible location.


For more information on the BR500 or Furuno’s full line of award winning marine
electronics, contact: Furuno U.S.A., 4400 N.W. Pacific Rim Blvd., Camas, WA 98607.
Phone: (360) 834-9300. Online boaters can also check out Furuno U.S.A.’s Internet
Web site (www.FurunoUSA.com).
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By Professional Mariner Staff