WP 2100 [DST]

At the beginning of the project, the requirements for the overall system must be defined.

For example, it must be specified what minimum information must be available to the ship’s master at the control center on shore in order to be able to steer the ship safely and ensure safe ship operation. This also includes descriptions of the assistance functions or the requirements for them. It must also be specified which actuators on board must be remotely controllable and which latencies are permissible. Furthermore, it must be defined which tasks normally performed by the ship’s master can be transferred to the remaining crew members on the ship. Related to this, definitions for an insufficiently stable radio link must be developed and possible emergency procedures for this case must be outlined. In this regard, a distinction must be made between different scenarios for the remotely operated vessel: without a qualified skipper at all or with a helmsman who is qualified to perform certain maneuvers in an emergency.

In the same way, it must be specified which functions the control center provides. In addition to providing processed information, it will serve to monitor and coordinate traffic. However, it can also be expanded to the extent that it provides emergency support or can take over remote control tasks. Finally, it will be specified how a shift handover from remotely seated skippers is to take place and what role the control center will play in this.