WP 8400 [DST]

For later use, approximated maneuvering coefficients of different ship types must be available for calculations on the own ship. For this purpose, a database is created. To ensure that plausible and expandable data sets for maneuvering coefficients of other traffic participants are always available in the future, a meaningful categorization must already be developed during the design of the database. Furthermore, interfaces to AIS data or AIS receivers will be conceptualized so that the filtering of the database can be automated.

Basically, the ship follows the steering commands of the skipper, i.e. the actuators on board behave exactly as if the skipper were on board. However, it cannot be ensured that the radio link to the ship is completely uninterrupted. The ship must therefore be equipped with functions that temporarily take over automated operation in this case, establish a safe state if necessary, and avoid possible damage. In addition, assistance systems are being investigated that are intended to significantly relieve the skipper and thus possibly enable him to control several ships at the same time.

All algorithms and assistance functions described in the following will be developed and tested in the simulator before being tested with the test ship in AP 10000.