A COLREGs-Compliant Decision Support Tool to Prevent Collisions at Sea

Groundings and collisions still represent the highest percentage of marine accidents despite the current attention on Maritime Education and Training and the improvement of sensor capability. Most of the time, a collision is caused by a human error with consequences ranging from moderate to severe, with a substantial impact on both environment and life safeguarded at sea. In this paper, a brief statistical data regarding human element as a root cause of marine incidents together with collision regulations misunderstanding is presented as a background chapter. Furthermore, the present work discusses a decision support system architecture to suggest an appropriate action when the risk of a potential collision is detected. The proposed architecture system is based on various modules integrated with proper sensor input data regarding the surrounding navigation area. As a result, the tool can support the Officers of Watch in the decision‐making process providing an early suggestion in compliance with the COLlision REGulations. The proposed system is intended to be used onboard independently from the degree of automation of the ship, and it is based on AIS, which is mandatory, making it widely applicable. The proper use of the system can considerably reduce the number of collisions, as demonstrated by the obtained results

S-100 Overlays: A Brave New World?

Marine Information Overlay (MIO) is a generic term used to describe chart and navigation related information that supplement the content that is already contained in an ENC. This includes both static and dynamic information such as tide/water level, current flow, meteorological, oceanographic, and environmental protection. With the advent of S-100 and S-101, there is increased interest in providing a wide variety of ‘new’ overlay information. This paper provides a brief history of S-57 MIOs. Examples of navigational and non-navigation MIOs are given in terms of how currently used, by who, and for what purpose. Recommendations are provided for making a transition from S-57 MIOs to S-100 overlays that can be used with the ‘Next Generation’ ENC. More specifically, what has been proposed, how should they work, who will provide, and some future challenges/opportunities related to implementation

Establishing National Ocean Service Priorities for Estuarine, Coastal, and Ocean Modeling: Capabilities, Gaps, and Preliminary Prioritization Factors

This report was developed to help establish National Ocean Service priorities and chart new directions for research and development of models for estuarine, coastal and ocean ecosystems based on user-driven requirements and supportive of sound coastal management, stewardship, and an ecosystem approach to management. (PDF contains 63 pages

On the possibility of COLREGS/STM integration

In the shipping industry, Sea Traffic Management (STM) system aims to represent a new paradigm in maritime safety. The idea of the STM implementation is to share information between all stakeholders, making shipping more efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly. With the growing market and related increase in marine transport and traffic, the risk of marine accidents is increasing as well. The STM provides numerous features for personnel on-board and shore to support decisions for safe navigation and operation based on real-time data. One of the services is the ship-to-ship route exchange, providing prediction of potentially dangerous situations and planning the vessel’s movement in advance. Analyses of marine accidents show that ship collisions are one of the most frequent types of marine accidents, the reason of which among all others, questions human error related to the knowledge of collision avoidance. This paper elaborates on the possibility of COLREGs/STM integration based on the use of STM ship-to-ship route exchange system. The decision model for COLREGs/STM integration procedure is presented in a way which enables suggestion on appropriate COLREG rule application in advance. Further system development is proposed as well, such as machine learning algorithms in COLREGs/STM integration, with the function of reducing the risks of marine accidents and increasing safety at sea.Peer Reviewe

Marine Information Objects (MIO) and ECDIS: Concept and Practice

Marine Information Objects (MIOs) consist of chart- and navigation-related information that supplement the minimum information required by ECDIS to ensure safety of navigation at sea. As related to the use of Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) data, MIOs are additional, non-mandatory information not already covered by existing IMO, IHO, or IEC standards. Such information includes ice coverage, tide/water level, current flow, meteorological, oceanographic, and marine habitats. A Harmonization Group on MIOs (HGMIO) has been established between IHO and IEC to recommend additional data and display specifications that may be incorporated into future editions of IHO and IEC standards. This paper discusses the scope of MIO activities, particularly as it relates to the challenges of converting a wide variety of MIO-related information into suitable data formats for use with a type-approved ECDIS. This includes information that will be provided via shipboard Automated Identification Systems (AIS) and Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) centers. In particular, there are significant challenges related to developing data formats that deal with time-varying information (i.e., X, Y, Z and time), simultaneous display of MIOs with other chart and navigation-related information, and the means/process to disseminate in a timely manner

Harmonising Chart and Navigation-related Information on ECDIS

ECDIS is a real-time navigation system that integrates a variety of chart and navigation-related information. More than simply a replacement for a paper nautical chart, ECDIS is capable of continuously determining a vessel\u27s position in relation to land, charted objects, aids-to-navigation, and unseen hazards. Increasingly, ECDIS is being used for both navigation and collision-avoidance tasks. There is growing concern about the display of ever-increasing amounts of both chart and navigation-related information. When it comes to using ECDIS, displaying more information is not necessarily better. Too much information (i.e., clutter) may only lead to confusion. In this regard, there is need to \u27harmonize\u27 the simultaneous display of both chart and navigation-related information

ECDIS Development Laboratory and Navigation Technology Demonstration Center

The U.S. Navy is undergoing a major transition from traditional, paper chart navigation to computer-based electronic charting. The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) has mandated that all Navy ships will navigate strictly through electronic means by FY07. However, due to some recent groundings, the Navy is now striving to accelerate the full implementation of electronic navigation by FY04. The Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) is making a concerted effort to support this transition with upgrades to state-of-the-art survey ships, instrumentation, and data processing equipment. NAVOCEANO is increasing its capability to rapidly collect and process hydrographic survey data, and to quickly produce new electronic navigational charts in co-production with MMA. In addition to ensuring safe navigation, these new products will include tactical digital overlays for bafflespace awareness. At NAVOCEANO, a new program is under development to expand these capabilities in a joint effort with University of Southern Mississippi\u27s new Hydrographic Sciences Research Program. In September 2001, an ECDIS Development Laboratory and Navigation Technology Demonstration Center will be established. This facility will conduct quality assurance (QA) and test and evaluation @&E) of electronic chart products from NAVOCEANO and other hydrographidoceanographic data providers. This facility will also assist Navy ship personnel in gaining a greater understanding of electronic charting, as well as increased technical proficiency in properly using these systems to safely navigate - particularly in the shallow littoral areas of the world. The ECDIS Development Laboratory is envisioned to become an information clearinghouse and demonstration center on electronic charting technological development. In addition to explaining the range of currently available government data products and services, The Navigation Technology Demonstration Center will showcase the use of electronic charts and its capability when used to avoid groundings and collisions at sea. The Center will The U.S. Navy is undergoing a major transition from traditional, paper chart navigation to computer-based electronic charting. The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) has mandated that all Navy ships will navigate strictly through electronic means by FY07. However, due to some recent groundings, the Navy is now striving to accelerate the full implementation of electronic navigation by FY04. The Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) is making a concerted effort to support this transition with upgrades to state-of-the-art survey ships, instrumentation, and data processing equipment. NAVOCEANO is increasing its capability to rapidly collect and process hydrographic survey data, and to quickly produce new electronic navigational charts in co-production with MMA. In addition to ensuring safe navigation, these new products will include tactical digital overlays for bafflespace awareness. At NAVOCEANO, a new program is under development to expand these capabilities in a joint effort with University of Southern Mississippi\u27s new Hydrographic Sciences Research Program. In September 2001, an ECDIS Development Laboratory and Navigation Technology Demonstration Center will be established. This facility will conduct quality assurance (QA) and test and evaluation @&E) of electronic chart products from NAVOCEANO and other hydrographidoceanographic data providers. This facility will also assist Navy ship personnel in gaining a greater understanding of electronic charting, as well as increased technical proficiency in properly using these systems to safely navigate - particularly in the shallow littoral areas of the world. The ECDIS Development Laboratory is envisioned to become an information clearinghouse and demonstration center on electronic charting technological development. In addition to explaining the range of currently available government data products and services, The Navigation Technology Demonstration Center will showcase the use of electronic charts and its capability when used to avoid groundings and collisions at sea. The Center will The U.S. Navy is undergoing a major transition from traditional, paper chart navigation to computer-based electronic charting. The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) has mandated that all Navy ships will navigate strictly through electronic means by FY07. However, due to some recent groundings, the Navy is now striving to accelerate the full implementation of electronic navigation by FY04. The Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) is making a concerted effort to support this transition with upgrades to state-of-the-art survey ships, instrumentation, and data processing equipment. NAVOCEANO is increasing its capability to rapidly collect and process hydrographic survey data, and to quickly produce new electronic navigational charts in co-production with MMA. In addition to ensuring safe navigation, these new products will include tactical digital overlays for bafflespace awareness. At NAVOCEANO, a new program is under development to expand these capabilities in a joint effort with University of Southern Mississippi\u27s new Hydrographic Sciences Research Program. In September 2001, an ECDIS Development Laboratory and Navigation Technology Demonstration Center will be established. This facility will conduct quality assurance (QA) and test and evaluation @&E) of electronic chart products from NAVOCEANO and other hydrographidoceanographic data providers. This facility will also assist Navy ship personnel in gaining a greater understanding of electronic charting, as well as increased technical proficiency in properly using these systems to safely navigate - particularly in the shallow littoral areas of the world. The ECDIS Development Laboratory is envisioned to become an information clearinghouse and demonstration center on electronic charting technological development. In addition to explaining the range of currently available government data products and services, The Navigation Technology Demonstration Center will showcase the use of electronic charts and its capability when used to avoid groundings and collisions at sea. The Center will have commercial-off-the-shelf ECDIS and other electronic chartbased systems. A major focus will be to provide a better appreciation of the limitations electronic chart data produced by both the government and private sector that are derived from century-old hydrographic source data. Another important aspect will be to explain the capability and limitations of using very precise electronic navigation positioning systems (e.g., GPS and Differential GPS) with electronic charting systems. The Navigation Technology Center will also demonstrate the use of tactical digital overlays to provide naval vessels with critical military information that contributes to both safe navigation and increased warfrghting mission capability

Simulation-based model course to demonstrate seafarers' competence for deck officers' discipline

Postprint (published version

e-Navigation and Electronic Charting: Implications for Hydrographic Community

e-Navigation is a recent IMO initiative that aims to integrate existing/new shipboard and shore-based navigational tools into an “all embracing” system. Defined as: “... the harmonised collection, integration, exchange, presentation and analysis of maritime information onboard and ashore by electronic means to enhance berth to berth navigation and related services, for safety and security at sea and protection of the marine environment” the goal of e-Navigation is to provide an infrastructure that will enable seamless information transfer onboard ship, between ships, ship-to-shore, and between shore authorities. Core elements include high-integrity electronic positioning, electronic navigational charts (ENCs) and improved system functionality towards reducing human error. In particular, this means actively engaging the mariner in the process of navigation while preventing distraction and overburdening. There are two main challenges in going from concept to implementation. 1) Ensuring the availability of all components of the system and using them effectively in order to simplify the display of crucial navigation-related information. 2) Incorporating new technologies in a structured way, while ensuring that their use is compliant with the existing navigational communication technologies and services. To date, the primary focus of IHO Member States has been to complete ENC coverage for major shipping routes. However, e-Navigation has other implications for the hydrographic community, including: 1) Use of AIS binary messages 2) Standards for Displaying e-Navigation Information 3) Guiding Principles for e-Navigation-related Informatio