Bridge (Ship)
The Bridge is the command and navigation centre of a ship — the elevated space, usually high in the superstructure with a commanding view, from which the vessel is navigated, steered and controlled. It is where the navigational watch is kept, and where the Master takes command in critical situations such as arrival, departure and confined-water navigation.
The bridge houses the ship's navigation and control equipment: the steering (helm) and engine/propulsion controls, ECDIS, radar/ARPA, GPS, AIS, gyrocompass and magnetic compass, autopilot, GMDSS communications, and the controls and displays for monitoring the ship. Watchkeeping officers on the bridge are responsible for safe navigation, collision avoidance under the COLREGs, keeping a proper lookout, and monitoring the passage plan. Modern integrated bridge systems combine these into unified consoles. The bridge is the operational heart of ship navigation and the workplace of the deck officers on watch; sound bridge resource management (teamwork, communication and use of all resources) is central to safe navigation. It is fundamental to how a ship is safely conned and controlled.
The bridge is where a ship is commanded and kept safe — the nerve centre holding the steering, propulsion controls and every navigation aid, staffed round the clock by the watch. Safe navigation depends not just on that equipment but on good bridge resource management, making the bridge and how it is run central to preventing collisions and groundings.
What equipment is on the bridge?
The helm and propulsion controls, ECDIS, radar/ARPA, GPS, AIS, compasses, autopilot and GMDSS communications, often combined in an integrated bridge system.
What is bridge resource management?
The effective use of all available people, equipment and information on the bridge, through teamwork and communication, to navigate safely.