A CONTAINER SHIP’S COMMAND CENTER IS THE ROOM THAT NAVIGATES THE VESSEL.

Every cargo ship has a bridge which is the area or platform of where the command of said ship will take place. Anytime a ship is active, the bridge is overseen by an officer of the watch assisted normally by an able seaman doing duties as lookout. When more critical maneuvers are taking place the captain will be present on the bridge, usually supported by the officer of the watch, an experienced seaman manning the wheel and even a pilot, if need be.

This is the “brain” of the ship. The outside of the command center, is where you are to see the spaces along the sides of the ship. Crucial help during times when the vessel is docking at any port. A clear view is needed by the captain to aid in their docking being more precise. The command center is usually always located high up, so the team have an unrestricted view of what lays before them. The design is to prevent the stacking of the cargo containers from impeding the crew’s natural line of sight. Having clear vision is extremely important for obvious reasons especially when the weather is bad. Thankfully there are technologies that have been invented and put into place which will help prevent the command centers glass and windows from fogging or icing up. Sometimes filters and screens are used and put up to reduce the strength, glare, and difficulties that incoming sunlight can present.

THERE ARE NUMEROUS CONTROLS AND INDICATORS FOR THE WHOLE SHIP INSIDE THE COMMAND CENTER

Imagine you are in a car and can see everything about your vehicle on your dashboard.  All cargo ships also have special highly sensitive indicators for just about everything. A ship will haver many doors that can potentially allow sea water in, so there are unique indicators to inform the status of each and every watertight door. These are systems that work directly with radar antennas to view the ship’s positioning and of other ships nearby. So many vital parts must function with one another to ensure safe travels, as well as there are many manuals to guide the crew when there is an unforeseen emergency.

Bridge wing

The wing of a bridge will be a narrow walkway which extends out from each sides of a pilothouse all the way the full width of the ship or even slightly beyond. This will allow bridge crew the full view to aid in the maneuvering of the ship. The bridge wings are used by officers when docking and navigating in locks and narrow treacherous waterways. Every bridge wing shoud be equipped with a console controlling the bow-thruster, stern-thruster, rudder and engines.

Communication is important and a vital part of a successful voyage upon a ship, especially when the ship will be big enough to carry hundreds of containers. The command center will house various systems to aid in communication methods and make sure they are accessible at all times. Not surprisingly there is a phone system that connects every room of the ship. A public address (PA) system that can be used as a backup is installed as well. Also, there are walkie-talkies in place if everything else fails. Hopefully the proper steps are put in place, so the crew can communicate with each other in all possible situations.