ONBOARD SYSTEMS FOR AUTOMATIC SHIP GUIDANCE AND INTELLIGENT COLLISION AVOIDANCE

A potential encounter situation between two or more vessels requires an intelligent, reasoned response from the master of each of those vessels. A computer-based expert system for marine collision avoidance should also be capable of emulating all of these functions. Notably, the decision-taking function requires considerably more than a simple mechanistic application of the anti-collision regulations. This paper describes the development of such a system, supported by a simulation environment incorporating two ancillary computers to simulate own-ship and hazard vessel. To date, a very simplistic ship model has been used, comprising simple constant velocity motion plus arcs of circles at constant speed for turning curves. Multivariable system theory is employed to describe the dynamic characteristics of surface vessels to provide a more elegant, and accurate ship model. Optimal control theory is employed to provide a completely automatic guidance system. The possibility of creating an intelligent guidance system is considered, whose normal task is to lock a vessel onto a predefined track at a given speed and heading. If an encounter situation with another vessel onto a predefined track at a given speed and heading. If an encounter situation with another vessel arises, the collision avoidance module will flag the control system as to the necessary course of action to take so that the international regulations are not breached.