The Integrated Bridge System (IBS) Project.
Abstract
Rising manpower costs along with diminishing manpower resources requires more efficient utilization of available shipboard personnel to maintain operational readiness of the Fleet. To meet this need, an integrated bridge system was developed to demonstrate the feasibility of reducing bridge watch manning requirements while maintaining or improving effectiveness. The system was designed to provide two centralized work situations from which bridge watchstanders could perform all bridge functions during routine steaming operations. The system was installed onboard USS MCCANDLESS (ff-1084) and tested at sea over a seven month period. After more than 1800 hours of underway test and evaluation it was demonstrated that bridge watch manning could be reduced substantially while improving bridge effectiveness. During most routine independent and formation steaming operations there were four watchstanders in the pilot house: an Officer of the Deck, a Junior Officer of the Deck, a Steering and Propulsion Operator, and a Quartermaster of the Watch. A forward and aft lookout were stationed at all times. Ratings of bridge effectiveness showed the integrated bridge system to be significantly more effective than a conventional bridge in all functional areas except visual surveillance. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA068225
Entities
People
- David W Taylor
- Lanny J. Puckett
- Peter M. Edmondo
- Robert A. Sniffin