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Bridge of the United States Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw

Left to right: navigation workstation, steering, and maneuvering workstation Continuation of the tour of the United States Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw (WLBB 30) including the bridge, navigation, communications, command and control. Comparing this to the bridge of the much larger first CGC Mackinaw (WAGB-83), there are dramatic differences. Not just that WLBB 30's bridge is so much more modern, but that it is so much larger and more comfortable! This photo tour was photographed on May 25, 2013.

New Mackinaw Mackinaw launch Old Mackinaw Mackinac Bridge home Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse 2013 Straits of Mackinac Lighthouse Flight

Navigation workstation - ECDIS and DPS

ECDIS: In order for the crew of the Mackinaw to know where it is and where to go next, they use a tool called ECDIS. The Electronic Chart Display and Information System uses official electronic versions of NOAA charts, GPS, compass and other sensors to provide an excellent "picture" to the bridge crew. This picture is automatically updated every few seconds with the best information available.

DPS: Mackinaw's Dynamic Positioning System is one of the most robust and capable systems available. Originally developed for off shore supply vessels working near oil rigs, DPS is used by the Mackinaw to do buoy operations, precision mooring and open water autopilot streaming. The DPS controls both pods and the bow thruster to make the ship move.

There is no traditional "ship's wheel." This is because USCGC Mackinaw is equipped with two ABB Azipods for propulsion. The Conning Officer uses the composite levers of the main control console to control the orientation and RPMs of the pods.

The console at the port secondary conning station above is one of the five auxiliary control panels used to control the Azipods. In addition to the main control console, there is one on each bridge wing, one in the aft conning station overlooking the fantail and one portable remote panel. This allows the ship's movement to be controlled from whichever position gives the best vantage point.

The final auxiliary position is within the ship's superstructure for use if the other four consoles are simultaneously inoperable.

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