Page 19 - SAL_NewsBreeze_2017_1_interactive

19 ON THE BRIDGE

6 1. ENGINE & VARIABLE PITCH PROPELLER CONTROL
PANEL. It includes the „engine telegraph“ which is
nowadays not a real telegraph but directly control-
ling the propeller pitch. All the buttons are to select
different propulsion modes and to activate various
emergency and backup functions. All viable con-
8 trol systems on the bridge have at a minimum one
backup system in place.

2. BOW THRUSTER CONTROL PANEL. It is used to
start and operate the vessel‘s electrically driven
5 bow thruster when maneuvering the vessel at port,
in locks or during heaving up anchor on confined
7 anchorages.
3. STEERING TILLER. It is the modern version of the
classic steering wheel and is used to set the vessels
rudder to the desired rudder angle to steer the vessel
on her course manually

4. AUTO PILOT. When the vessel is in open waters she
is usually not steared by a helmsman but by the Auto
Pilot which is operated by the officer of the watch
(OOW)

5. RADAR DISPLAY WITH THE CAPABILITY TO OVER-
LAY AN ELECTRONIC SEA CHART FOR NAVIGA-
3 TION. Besides visual observations the ships radars
are the most important tool of the OOW to observe
the surrounding traffic and to determine if he/she
4 needs to take action in order to avoid colisions with
other vessels by changing course or speed.

6. ECHOGRAPH. It displays and records the under keel
clearance (how many metres of water below the ship)
and it‘s main purpose is to assist the OOW to avoid
grounding the vessel.

1 7. VHF RADIO. Used to communicate with other ves-
sels, port authorities and traffic control centers in the
range of approximately 40 nautical miles.

8. ALARM PANELS for various control systems such
as smoke detection systems and vessels integrated
navigational alarm system.

9. REMOTE SWITCHES for fire fighting pumps and
cargo hold water spray system. And REMOTE PANEL
for operation of watertight doors.

10. LIGHT SWITCHES for the vessels external areas and
navigational lights.

11. CHAIR. Whereas other mistakes to operate bridge
equipment may have less dramatic consequences,
the misuse of the chairs can cause severe political is-
sues (with Captain :-)) It is a good habit and it is even
requested by some Masters that junior officers stand Michael Krone
up from the chairs if the Master enters the bridge.