What is Navigation Bridge Visibility requirements as per SOLAS?

• As per SOLAS chapter V, Regulation 22
• Ships of not less than 55m in length
• 1st July 1998 shall meet the following requirements:-
  1. The view of the sea surface from the canning position shall not be obscured by more than two ships length or 500 m whichever is less forward of the bow to 10 degree on either side under all conditions of draught trim and deck cargos.
  2. No blind sector, caused by cargo, cargo gear or other obstructions outside of the wheel house forward of the beam which obstructs the view of the sea surface as seen from the canning position, shall exceed 10 degree:
     • The total are of blind sectors shall not exceed 20 ^o.
     • The clear sector between blind sectors shall be at least 5 ^o
     • However, in the view described 1 each individual blind sector shall not exceed 5^o
  3. The horizontal field of vision from the canning position shall extend over an arc of not less than 225 ^o, that is from bight ahead to not less than 225 ^o abaft the beam on either side of the ship.
  4. From the main steering position, The horizontal field of vision shall extend over an arc from right ahead to at least 60 ^o on each side of the ship.
  5. From each bridge wing, the horizontal field of vision shall extend over an arc of at least 225 ^o, that is from at least 45 ^o on the opposite bow through bight ahead and then from bight ahead to right astern through 180 ^o on the same side of the ship.
  6. The ships side shall be visible from the bridge wing.
  7. The height of the lower edge of the navigator bridge front windows above the bridge duck 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 also a forward view of the horizon, for a person with a height of eye of 1800 mm above the bridge duck of the canning position when the ship is pitching in heavy seas. The administration if satisfied that a 1800mm height of eye is unreasonable and impractical, may allow reduction of the height of eye but not to less than 1600mm.
  9. Windows shall meet the following requirements.
  10. 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 degree and not more than 25 degree.
  11. Framing b/w navigation bridge windows shall be kept to a minimum and not be installed immediately forward of only work station.
  12. Polarized and tinted windows shall not be fitted

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 condition.