Navigating with a Clear View

The sun has long been a problem for mariners when sailing as the glare it generates can make navigating difficult. In sunny and bright conditions mariners need to make sure that the sun does not compromise the safe passage of the vessel to minimize the chance of shipping accidents and ensure the safety of crew, passengers and cargo.

Regulations have been published by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to support the use of removable sunscreens on all vessels to overcome problems associated with the sun.  IMO 5.1.1.2.6 specifies: “To ensure a clear view and to avoid reflections in bright sunshine, sunscreens with a minimum color distortion should be provided at all windows. Such screens should be readily removable and not permanently installed”.

An ideal solution to the problems associated with sun and glare at sea are SOLASOLV® anti-glare, heat rejecting roller screens which are Type Approved by Lloyds, ABS and DNV-GL.  They reduce glare and reflection by up to 93%, reduce heat by up to 87% and ensure 100% clear view with true color rendition in bright and sunny weather.

There are several regulations which advise that there must be a means to allow a clear view at all times, regardless of weather conditions, through a minimum of two forward facing windows, plus the possibility of additional windows, depending on the bridge layout.  Rule 5 of the International Collision Regulations entitled ‘Look-out’ reads: “every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing as well as by all means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions so as to make full appraisal of the situation and the risk of collision”.

Although it may be tempting to specify tinted glass for wheelhouse windows, permanently tinted windows are not a satisfactory solution to this issue as they can create problems when navigating in the dark as navigation marks and lights can become distorted by the dark tint making colour identification difficult.  Most of the current regulations on navigation visibility dismisses the idea of fitting polarized and tinted windows because they are permanent fixtures.  SOLAS, Class Societies, MCA and USCG suggest that polarized and tinted glass should not be fitted to navigation windows.  Merchant Shipping Notice No M.760 reads: “Owners and builders will no doubt be aware of the possible implications which could arise if a ship with tinted glass wheelhouse windows were involved in a casualty and the question of a proper lookout being maintained became relevant. No objection would be raised to the provision of tinted screens or visors to overcome dazzle etc. provided that such screens or visors were hinged or otherwise removable”.

Anti-glare roller screens provide effective glare, heat and UV light protection, similar to that of tinted windows, but are instantly retractable and removable when not required. Due to the ever-increasing demands of the marine industry for improved safety, most new builds and vessels undergoing refit are now specifying the installation of retractable sunscreens for navigation windows. 

As a smaller item of equipment, sunscreens are sometimes an afterthought for ship designers and builders, but the benefits they provide to the crew are significant.  Electronic displays are easier to read, eye-strain is significantly reduced with a clear outward view to ensure safer navigation.  Colors remain true when looking through the film so colored navigation marks and lights are easily recognized and not distorted, even at a distance.  The heat rejection of the screens result in a cooler, more comfortable working environment to help minimize crew fatigue which can lead to human error.

There is also a growing awareness within the maritime industry of the practical, environmental and monetary benefits of installing anti-glare screens. Recent research indicates that significant cost savings can be made using screens which is beneficial to ship owners and operators.  Now that there is more awareness and desire to be eco-friendly, the amount of fuel saved and the amount of noxious gases and carbon that are not being discharged into the atmosphere as a result of installing and using marine certified screens are proving to be an important part of purchasing decisions.  The most obvious focus point on the environmental agenda is fuel reduction to lower CO2 emissions.  Anti-glare screens help by rejecting heat from the sun in the wheelhouse. This effectively reduces the demand for air conditioning which in turn reduces emissions for a greener, cleaner environment whilst saving fuel and saving money.