The bridge of a ship is its command center — the place where every decision about navigation, communication, and vessel control begins. Modern bridges combine advanced electronics with traditional instruments to ensure safe and efficient operation at sea.

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A ship’s bridge contains navigation systems (like ECDIS, radar, GPS), communication and GMDSS equipment, vessel control systems (autopilot, propulsion controls, steering gear), monitoring devices (VDR, BNWAS), and safety/signaling tools. Together, these instruments allow officers to steer, navigate, communicate, and safely manage the ship.

1. Navigational Equipment on a Ship’s Bridge

These systems help you determine the ship’s position, speed, heading, and surrounding hazards.

Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS)

ECDIS replaces paper charts by displaying electronic navigational charts and integrating data from GPS, radar, AIS, and depth sounders. It improves route monitoring and reduces navigational errors.

GPS / GNSS Receiver

Provides accurate real-time position, course, and speed over ground, feeding critical data to ECDIS and conning displays.

Radar + ARPA

Radar detects ships, landmasses, and weather systems. ARPA automatically tracks targets, showing course, speed, and closest point of approach (CPA) so you can assess collision risks instantly.

Gyro Compass & Repeaters

A gyro compass provides a steady true-north heading. Repeaters display heading data throughout the bridge for easy reference.

Magnetic Compass

A mandatory backup providing direction based on Earth’s magnetic field — essential if electronic systems fail.

AIS (Automatic Identification System)

Transmits and receives identity, position, course, and speed data from nearby ships, improving situational awareness.

Echo Sounder

Uses sound waves to measure water depth below the keel, helping avoid grounding.

Speed Log

Measures speed through water and distance travelled — essential for navigation records.

Rate of Turn Indicator

Displays how quickly the ship is turning, aiding precise maneuvering during pilotage or narrow passages.

2. Communication & GMDSS Distress Equipment

These systems ensure reliable communication and global emergency response capabilities.

VHF Radio

Used for short-range communication with ships, coastal stations, and pilots.

MF/HF Radio

Supports long-range communication and digital selective calling (DSC).

NAVTEX Receiver

Automatically receives navigation warnings, weather alerts, and safety information.

Satellite Communication (Inmarsat)

Enables global voice, data, and distress communication through GMDSS integration.

EPIRB

Automatically transmits the ship’s identity and position to search-and-rescue authorities during emergencies.

SART

Used in lifeboats; it helps rescue vessels locate survivors on radar.

3. Control & Monitoring Systems

These systems help you steer the vessel and monitor essential operational data.

Autopilot System

Keeps the ship on a set course with minimal manual input, improving fuel efficiency and reducing crew workload.

Engine Order Telegraph / Propulsion Controls

Transmits speed and direction commands to the engine room or directly controls propulsion in electronically controlled ships.

Rudder Angle Indicator

Displays the exact position of the rudder so you can monitor steering responses.

Voyage Data Recorder (VDR)

The ship’s “black box,” continuously recording bridge audio, radar, position, and other critical data for investigation.

BNWAS (Watch Alarm System)

Ensures the officer on watch remains alert by issuing alarms after inactivity.

Sound Reception System

Allows officers inside enclosed bridges to hear external sound signals such as fog horns.

4. Safety & Signaling Equipment

Navigational Lights

Indicate the ship’s size, status, and direction during night or restricted visibility.

Ship Whistle / Fog Horn

Used for mandatory sound signals required by COLREGs.

Day Shapes

Black geometric shapes used during the day to display special vessel conditions like “anchored” or “restricted in ability to maneuver.”

Aldis Lamp

A handheld signaling lamp used for Morse-code communication.

5. Additional & Modern Bridge Systems

Integrated Bridge System (IBS)

Combines radar, ECDIS, conning, and automation displays into a centralized workstation for safer and more efficient operation.

Conning Display

Shows all essential navigation data — speed, heading, rudder angle, draft, RPM — in one place.

Barometer & Weather Instruments

Provides atmospheric pressure and weather trends critical for voyage planning.

CCTV Monitoring

Displays camera feeds from mooring decks, engine areas, and cargo spaces.

Pilot Plug

Allows harbor pilots to connect their portable navigation units.

6. Steering Gear Components (Bridge-Level Equipment)

Component	Description	Function
Steering Wheel / Tiller	Manual steering device (wheel or joystick)	Directly controls rudder movement
Rudder Angle Indicator	Analog/digital display	Shows rudder position in degrees
Heading/Course Repeater	Gyro compass output	Shows current heading
Steering Mode Selector	Switch for Auto / Manual / FU / NFU modes	Determines steering control method
Autopilot Control Panel	Dedicated module for auto steering	Sets desired course
Engine/Propulsion Controls	Levers/joysticks	Control propeller speed and direction