The bridge is the nerve center of a large vessel, where the captain issues their instructions to crew who operate stations with key specialities.
In the case of seaQuest DSV 4600 and its successor, 4600-II, the bridge is located at the "head" of the submarine, accessible by two secure hatches at the aft, one port and one starboard.
As with both 4600s, a "dolphin dome" at the bridge's center rear allows Darwin access to the bridge via hydropressure aqueducts, which can also be used in emergency situations for other purposes.
seaQuest DSV 4600
The bridge of 4600 is laid out with the navigation plotter at its center, with consoles surrounding it in a horseshoe pattern. Upper platforms to the port and starboard of the plotter feature consoles for tactical systems, communications, and W.S.K.R.S. A sunken fore area features two forward seated stations handle steering, while forward consoles handle other ship functions. A larger screen at the center fore bulkhead is typically used to show important information, such as information from W.S.K.R.S., and is flanked by two slightly smaller screens, and can be configured to show any kind of information needed.
The engineer's console is placed nearest to the starboard bridge entrance, next to which the Captain's Chair and smaller console is installed.
At the center of the bridge, the navigation plotter station is an interactive, dome-shaped digital screen that allows the commanding officer to visually chart a course.
A stylus interacts with the screen, allowing courses to be drawn akin to grease pencil on a board, but in a digital manner (DSV: "To Be or Not to Be").
Communications
Located in the bridge's port nook, the station is oriented aft of the nook and controls all internal and external communications.
Satellite communications are routed through the communications station, which oversees and controls uplinks and downlinks fed from antennas, either routed through communications buoys or through integrated satellite receivers, depending on sea conditions (DSV: "To Be or Not to Be", "Bad Water").
seaQuest features a minimum of four satellite uplinks that are routed through Nor-Pac satellites (DSV: "To Be or Not to Be").
W.S.K.R.S/Sensors
Located in the bridge's starboard nook, the W.S.K.R.S./sensor station is oriented to the fore of the nook, and commands the ship's scanning capabilities. It is often manned by a sensor chief. The station is designed to command and oversee three W.S.K.R.S., in addition to sonar and other sensing systems (DSV: "To Be or Not to Be").
Engineering/Hyper Reality Probe
Located nearest to the starboard bridge hatch, the engineering console can call up the status of the ship's systems, offering a master systems display for visual review. It is also outfitted to control the hyper reality probe (DSV: "To Be or Not to Be").
Captain's Station
Located adjacent to the engineering station, the captain's station consists of a chair, next to a small computer interface that can be rotated (DSV: "To Be or Not to Be").
Helm
The helm consists of two seated consoles featuring built-in screens and steering handles, which control various aspects of steering the craft (DSV: "To Be or Not to Be").
The ship can also be placed on auto pilot from these stations (DSV: "Higher Power").
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