The wheelhouse forms part of the ship’ s navigating bridge. From the bridge the ship is navigated, by the Captain or Officer of the Watch. Today the bridge of a modem ship is totally enclosed by glass screens or windows to give protection from weather. In addition to the steering wheel or steering controls, it also houses a several advanced navigational equipment systems which give accurate data for the voyage.
The wheelhouse equipment of a modem ship normally encompasses the main bridge console with the plotting aids (ARPA, i.e. Automatic Radar Plotting Aid), path finder radars (3 cm x-band radar and 10 cm s-band relative motion radar). A number of position fixing and communication aids such as sat-com and satellite back-up radio-station, Navtex receiver, RD finder, Satnav with gyro and log interfaces, Loran-C receiver, Decca navigator, etc. are fitted on same or separate console.
The equipment also includes weather facsimile receivers, autopilot, gyro compass with repeaters, depth sounders, speed logs, sonar, etc. Radio-equipment is used for safety and commercial messages, and for ship-to shore communications. It includes VHF radio telephone and radiotelegraph, MF transmitter, coastal radio-equipment, watch-keeping receiver (auto alarm).
The list of all equipments is given below in alphabetical order. You can click on relative links for detailed description.
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AIS
AIS is a system which helps to pinpoint the location and other navigational statistics of ships. AIS uses VHF radio channels as transmitters and receivers to send and receive messages between ships which endeavors to fulfill a lot of responsibilities.
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ARPA
Automatic Radar Plotting Aid displays the position of a ship and other vessels nearby. The radar displays the position of the ships in the vicinity and selects the course for the vessel by avoiding any kind of collision.
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Automatic Tracking Aid
Just like ARPA, automatic tracking aid displays the information on tracked targets in graphic and numeric to generate a planned layout for a safer and collision-free course.
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Auto Pilot
It is a combination of hydraulic, mechanical, and electrical system and is used to control the ship’s steering system from a remote location (Navigation bridge).
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Auto Telephone Exchange
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BNWAS
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Daylight Signalling Lamp
They are light signalling devices used for emergency signalling in the day time.
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Doppler Log
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Echo Sounder
This instrument is used to measure the depth of the water below the ship’s bottom using sound waves.
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Electronic Chart Display Information System
ECDIS is a development in the navigational chart system used in naval vessels and ships. With the use of the electronic chart system, it has become easier for a ship’s navigating crew to pinpoint locations, and attaining directions are easier than before.
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Fire Detection Panel.
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GPS Receiver
A Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver is a display system used to show the ship’s location with the help of Global positioning satellite in the earth’s orbit.
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Gyro Compass (Master Gyro and Repeaters):
It is used for finding the right direction. Unlike magnetic compass, gyro compass is not hampered by external magnetic field. It is used to find correct North Position, which is also the earth’s rotational axis. Its repeater system must be present in the steering platform for emergency steering.
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Long Range Tracking and Identification (LRIT) System
LRIT is an international tracking and identification system incorporated by the IMO under its SOLAS convention to ensure a thorough tracking system for ships across the world.
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Magnetic Compass
The magnetic compass work in conjunction with the magnetic field of the earth. It is used to get planned direction for the voyage.
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Navigational Lights
All boats – whether big or small are required to have night lights as a part of the navigation systems. This system was introduced in the year 1838 by the United States and then was followed by the United Kingdom in 1849. In the year 1889, the International Maritime Conference was established by the United States to establish proper guidelines to prevent marine accidents. In the year 1897, these rules were officially adopted internationally.
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Public Address & Talk-back System
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Radar
It is used to determine the distance of the ship from land, other ships, or any floating object out at sea.
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Rate of turn indicator
It indicates how fast the ship is turning at steady rate, normally shown as number of degree turned.
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Rudder Angle Indicator
Rudder angle indicator, as the name indicates, provide the angle of the rudder. The display is provided on bridge to control the rate of turn and rudder angle of the ship.
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Ships Horn/ Bell Fwd
It is used to mark the presence of the ship in fog or bad weather and sound the alarm in case of any emergency.
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Ship Whistle Aft
A ship’s horn is known as a whistle and it is generally provided in duplicate. One is driven by air and the other is electrically operated.
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Signal Lights
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Sound Reception System
This system is required for a ship with fully enclosed type bridge. It enables the navigating officer inside the cabin to listen to the sound signals and fog horn from other ships.
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Speed & Distance Log Device
The device is used to measure the speed and the distance traveled by a ship from a set point. By calculating the same, ETA of the ship is adjusted or given to the port authority and agent.
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Voyage Data Recorder
A VDR or voyage data recorder is an instrument safely installed on a ship to continuously record vital information related to the operation of a vessel. It contains a voice recording system for a period of at least last 12 hours. This recording is recovered and made use of for investigation in events of accidents.
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Wind Speed & Direction