Lecture 10: Technologies in Navigation, Safety at Sea and Ship Operations

Question 1

What distinguishes ARPA and ECDIS?

Answer 1

ARPA is radar-focused, designed for collision avoidance by tracking and analyzing target movements.
While ECDIS is a chart-based system for comprehensive navigation and route planning, integrating multiple sources for enhanced situational awareness.

Question 2

What does ARPA stand for and its purpose and functionality?

Answer 2

ARPA is Automatic Radar Plotting Aid
Purpose: Collision Avoidance and radar-based tracking
Functions:
1. Calculate the tracked object’s course, speed closest point of approach (CPA) and Time to CPA
2. Tracks objects detected by radar.
3. Assesses the risk of collision and enables the operator to evaluate and test manoeuvre scenarios.
4. Used for navigation in low-visibility conditions (e.g., foggy areas).

Question 3

What is ECDIS and what is its purpose and functionality?

Answer 3

ECDIS is Electronic Chart Display and Information System
Purpose: Electronic navigation and route planning
Functionality:
1. Displays digital nautical charts.
2. Provides real-time vessel positioning using GPS.
3. Integrates information from multiple systems like ARPA, radar, echo sounder, and gyro.
4. Displays vessel names and other navigational details.
5. Supports route planning, monitoring, and alerts for navigational hazards.

Question 4

Name the key uses of AIS Data

Answer 4

1. As a Surveillance Tool
   * a. Shore authorities establish automated AIS stations to monitor movement of vessels through their shores.

b, Coast stations can also use the AIS channels for shore-to-ship transmissions, critical information on tides, Notices to Mariners NTMs, and located weather conditions.

*c. Monitor movement of HAZMAT (hazardous cargoes)

*d. Control of commercial fishing operations in territorial waters.(Capture infringement)

e. Useful in supplementing SAR operations whereby Maritime Rescue & Coordination Centre, MRCC uses AIS information to assess the availability of other vessels in the vicinity of the incident.

2. Aid to Collision Avoidance
   *a. A significant enhancement to the safety of navigation.

• b. Information that is transmitted and received enhances the effectiveness of navigation ….. greatly improving situational awareness along with decision-making.

c. Assists Officer of the Watch OOW, in tracking and monitoring targets and determining information on the CPA and TCPA.

Question 5

What is AIS

Answer 5

AIS is an Automatic Identification System

It is an automated tracking system that displays other vessels in the vicinity.

Also a broadcaster transponder system that operates in the Very High Frequency (VHF) mobile maritime band.

Question 6

What are the 4 key AIS Data?

Answer 6

1. Static Information
   (Every 6 minutes and on request)
   MMSI number
   IMO number
   Name and Call Sign(given by flag state)
   Length and Beam
   Type of ship
   Location of position fixing antenna
2. Dynamic Information
   (Depends on speed and course alteration)
   Ship’s position with accuracy indication
   Position time stamp (in UTC=coordinated universal time)
   Course Over Ground (COG)
3. Voyage Related Information
   (Every 6 minutes, when data is amended, or on request)
   Ship’s draught
   Type of cargo
   Destination and ETA
   Route plan (Waypoints)
4. Short safety related messages
   Free format text message addressed to one or many destinations or to all stations in the area.
   This content could be such as buoy missing, ice berg sighting etc