Regulation 22
Navigation bridge visibility
Regulation
1 Ships of not less than 45 m in length as defined in regulation III/3.12, constructed on or after 1 July 1998, shall meet the following requirements:
.1 The view of the sea surface from the conning position shall not be obscured by more than two ship lengths, or 500 m, whichever is the less, forward of the bow to 10° on either side under all conditions of draught, trim and deck cargo;
.2 No blind sector caused by cargo, cargo gear or other obstructions outside of the wheelhouse forward of the beam which obstructs the view of the sea surface as seen from the conning position, shall exceed 10°. The total arc of blind sectors shall not exceed 20°. The clear sectors between blind sectors shall be at least 5°. However, in the view described in .1, each individual blind sector shall not exceed 5°;
.3 The horizontal field of vision from the conning position shall extend over an arc of not less than 225°, that is from right ahead to not less than 22.5°, abaft the beam on either side of the ship;
.4 From each bridge wing the horizontal field of vision shall extend over an arc at least 225°, that is from at least 45° on the opposite bow through right ahead and then from right ahead to right astern through 180° on the same side of the ship;
.5 From the main steering position the horizontal field of vision shall extend over an arc from right ahead to at least 60° on each side of the ship;
.6 The ship's side shall be visible from the bridge wing;
.7 The height of the lower edge of the navigation bridge front windows above the bridge deck shall be kept as low as possible. In no case shall the lower edge present an obstruction to the forward view as described in this regulation;
.8 The upper edge of the navigation bridge front windows shall allow a forward view of the horizon, for a person with a height of eye of 1,800 mm above the bridge deck at the conning position, when the ship is pitching in heavy seas. The Administration, if satisfied that a 1,800 mm height of eye is unreasonable and impractical, may allow reduction of the height of eye but not less than 1,600 mm;
.9 Windows shall meet the following requirements:
.9.1 To help avoid reflections, the bridge front windows shall be inclined from the vertical plane top out, at an angle of not less than 10° and not more than 25°.
.9.2 Framing between navigation bridge windows shall be kept to a minimum and not be installed immediately forward of any work station.
.9.3 Polarised and tinted windows shall not be fitted.
.9.4 A clear view through at least two of the navigation bridge front windows and, depending on the bridge configuration, an additional number of clear-view windows shall be provided at all times, regardless of weather conditions.
2 Ships constructed before 1 July 1998 shall, where practicable, meet the requirements of paragraphs 1.1 and 1.2. However, structural alterations or additional equipment need not be required.
1 On ships of unconventional design which, in the opinion of the Administration, cannot comply with this regulation, arrangements shall be provided to achieve a level of visibility that is as near as practical to that prescribed in this regulation.
Summary
Regulation 22 emphasises the importance of ensuring good visibility from the navigation bridge in order to ensure a proper lookout can be maintained at all times.
It includes structural requirements for ships of 45m or more in length built on or after 1 July 1998, and requirements for older ships.
Guidance Notes
Regulation 22 together with these notes supersede Merchant Shipping Notice M.760 and the Merchant Shipping (Navigation Bridge Visibility) Regulations 1998 which are hereby revoked.
Para.1.9.3 prohibits the use of polarized and tinted windows on the navigation bridge. In the case of United Kingdom registered ships, only clear, toughened glass is permitted.
Owners of existing tonnage should be aware of the implications of a vessel fitted with tinted bridge windows being involved in an accident and the question of a proper lookout being maintained arising.
Penalty – If a ship proceeds, or attempts to proceed on any voyage without complying with the requirements of this Regulation the owner and master shall each be guilty of an offence and liable to punishment on summary conviction by a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.