Section 4 Bridge Control of Propulsion Machinery

401. General

1. In the marine mode, including manoeuvring, the speed, direction of thrust and, if applicable, the pitch of the propeller are to be fully controllable from the navigating bridge.

2. Such remote control is to be performed by a single control device for each independent propeller, with automatic performance of all associated services, including means of preventing overload of the propulsion machinery. However, where more than one propeller is designed to operate simulta- neously, these propellers may be controlled by a single control device.

3. The main propulsion machinery is to be provided with an emergency stopping device on the navi- gating bridge which should be independent of the navigating bridge control system referred to in Par 2.

4. Propulsion machinery orders from the navigating bridge are to be indicated in the main machinery control station or at the propulsion machinery control position, as appropriate.

5. Remote control of the propulsion machinery is to be possible only from one location at a time;. at

such locations interconnected control positions are permitted. At each location there is to be an in- dicator showing which location is in control of the propulsion machinery. The transfer of control between the navigating bridge and machinery spaces is to be possible only in the main machinery space or in the main machinery control station. The system is to include means to prevent the pro- pelling thrust from altering significantly when transferring control from one location to another.

6. It is to be possible for all machinery essential for propulsion and manoeuvring to be controlled from a local position, even in the case of failure in any part of the automatic or remote control systems.

7. The design of the remote automatic control system is to be such that in case of its failure an alarm will be given on the navigating bridge and at the main machinery control station. Unless the Society considers it impracticable, the preset speed and direction of thrust of the propeller is to be maintained until local control is in operation.

8. Indicators are to be fitted on the navigating bridge for:

(1) propeller speed and direction of rotation in the case of fixed-pitch propellers;. or

(2) propeller speed and pitch position in the case of controllable-pitch propellers.

9. The number of consecutive automatic attempts which fail to produce a start is to be limited to safeguard sufficient starting air pressure. An alarm is to be provided to indicate low starting air pressure, set at a level which still permits starting operations of the propulsion machinery.