What is the Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System (BNWAS), and how does it function?

A. It is a system that automatically calls the coastguard if the vessel deviates from its planned route

B. BNWAS only operates while the vessel is at anchor

C. BNWAS monitors the presence/activity of the watchkeeping officer on the bridge through periodic resets (manual or via sensors); if no activity is detected within a set time, it issues progressively escalating alarms — first on the bridge, then to the master's/officers' cabins or designated backup officer — to ensure the watch has not been incapacitated

D. BNWAS is a collision avoidance system that automatically alters the vessel's course to avoid other traffic

A. The tidal height at the time of transit to confirm sufficient under-keel clearance

B. The yacht's fuel consumption for that leg

C. The colour of the seabed shown on the chart

D. Only the distance to the next waypoint

A. Switch the ECDIS to standby mode and navigate by GPS position alone

B. Ignore it — ECDIS alarms are frequently false and can be left running

C. Assess the situation against the planned route and charted depths, take action to maintain safe water, and inform the Master if there is any doubt

D. Acknowledge and silence the alarm immediately so it does not distract the helmsman