Search Results (129)

The maritime industry is rapidly advancing toward the initial stages of the digitised era of shipping, characterised by considerable advances in maritime autonomous technology in recent times. This study examines the effectiveness of training packages and the impact of rank during the failure of a sophisticated autopilot control system. For this study, the fault recognition and diagnostic skills of 60 navigational seafarers conducting a navigational watch in a full mission bridge watchkeeping simulator were analysed. Participants had either significant experience as qualified navigational officers of the watch or were navigational officers of the watch cadets with 12 months’ watchkeeping experience. These groups were subdivided into those who were given a training package focused on behavioural aspects of managing automation, such as maintaining situational awareness, and those given a technical training package. The findings were analysed using an Event Tree Analysis method to assess the participants’ performance in diagnosing a navigation fault. Additionally, the fault recognition skills were assessed between groups of training and rank. The study found that participants who received the behavioural training were more successful in both recognising and diagnosing the fault during the exercise. Behavioural training groups outperformed technical training groups, even when technical training participants were experienced seafarers. This difference in performance occurred without any apparent differences in workload or secondary task performance. Understanding the data gathered from the study could lead to the development of future training regimes for navigational officers of the watch and help to optimise the evolution of the seafaring role. Full article

This research investigates the Saudi marine sector’s response to climate change. In particular, it assesses industry stakeholder awareness, attitudes, and actions concerning climate-related challenges. A complete survey was distributed to a varied range of industry participants, including executives, managers, seafarers, and academics, to assess their understanding and involvement. The research indicates moderate levels of awareness and engagement, and significant challenges, including financial limitations, a lack of experience and knowledge, and insufficient regulatory support, to implementing more sustainable practices. The study also mentions ongoing attempts to satisfy International Maritime Organization (IMO) requirements, while present mitigating techniques have limited efficacy. Compared to other regions, Saudi Arabia mostly depends on fossil fuels, which poses specific difficulties in the transformation of sustainable maritime practices. The study identifies current strategies and proposes prospects such as raising financial assistance, and the adoption of innovative technologies. These findings are critical to providing the link between the Saudi marine sector and the climate targets, as well as the Saudi Vision 2030. Full article

This study uses eye-tracking technology (ETT) to investigate discrepancies between seafarers’ perceived and actual performance during simulated maritime operations. The primary objective is to explore how misperceptions regarding the use of navigational tools—such as visual observation, radar, and ECDIS—may contribute to discrepancies in situational awareness, which is critical for safe navigation. By comparing participants’ self-reported perceptions with objective data recorded by ETT, the study highlights cognitive biases that influence navigational decision-making. Data were collected from a simulation scenario involving 32 seafarers with varying levels of maritime experience. The results reveal that participants tend to overestimate their reliance on visual observation and ECDIS, while underestimating their use of radar. These discrepancies may affect decision-making processes and could contribute to an inaccurate perception of situational awareness, although further research is needed to fully establish their direct impact on actual navigational performance. Additionally, the application of ETT identifies differences in the navigational strategies between more and less experienced seafarers, offering insights that could inform the development of training programs aimed at improving situational awareness. Statistical analyses, including Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Kruskal–Wallis tests, were conducted to assess the influence of demographic factors on performance. These findings suggest that ETT can be a valuable tool for identifying perceptual biases, potentially improving decision-making and enhancing training for real-world navigational tasks. Full article

The development of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) has seen significant advancements in recent years, yet there remains a lack of comprehensive studies that holistically address the architecture of autonomous navigation systems and explain the complexity of their individual elements. This paper aims to bridge this gap by conducting a literature review that consolidates key research in the field and presents a detailed architecture of autonomous navigation systems. The results of this study identify several major clusters essential to MASS navigation architecture, including (1) autonomous navigation architecture, (2) decision-making and action-taking system, (3) situational awareness and associated technologies, (4) sensor fusion technology, (5) collision avoidance subsystems, (6) motion control and path following, and (7) mooring and unmooring. Each cluster is further dissected into sub-clusters, highlighting the intricate and interdependent nature of the components that facilitate autonomous navigation. The implications of this study are vital for multiple stakeholders. Ship captains and seafarers must be prepared for new navigation technologies, while managers and practitioners can use this architecture to better understand and implement these systems. Researchers will find a foundation for future investigations, particularly in filling knowledge gaps related to autonomous ship operations. This study makes a substantial contribution by filling a critical gap in the maritime literature, offering a detailed explanation of the elements within autonomous navigation systems. Full article

Recently, several initiatives regarding maritime autonomous surface ships (MASSs) have been implemented worldwide. One of the fundamental technologies for attaining MASSs is the recognition and localization of surrounding ships. Traditional navigational instruments are inadequate for recognizing objects, and the authors investigated the potential of stereo vision. Conventional stereo camera systems are not suitable for localizing very distant objects. One proposed solution is to use an additional camera, thus using three-camera measurements of objects at long distances to reduce positional measurement errors, incorporating time-series averaging and keypoint-based techniques. This study evaluated experimentally the accuracy of measurements using three ship-mounted cameras. The accuracy and precision of stereo measurements depend on the distance between the camera positions, referred to as the baseline length. Conventional stereo cameras are typically used to measure objects at distances of up to 200 times the baseline length. This study indicates that, using trinocular stereo vision, a target ship at distances up to 2500 m, which is 500 times the baseline length, can be measured with an accuracy of approximately 5% of the RMSE. Full article

The Blue Economy is a multi-layered economy in its content, although it only reflects the relation between the sea and business. Shipping plays an essential role in this economy, as it holds the largest market share. Sustainable shipping, however, requires the sustainability of a number of the components that make it up. One of the most important components is the training of marine personnel, and particularly the ship’s crew. Over the past two decades, the Lifelong Learning strategy has been firmly established in shipping, manifested through a variety of practices. In order to ensure the continuous and sustainable training of ship’s crews, the companies have introduced annual seminars, which aim to familiarize the officers with current business topics. This article analyzes the delivery methods and quality of training in six seminars conducted by four different shipping companies carried out in three different countries. The scientific method “interview” was used for gathering the necessary information for analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of this type of training, and the way it was conducted. A significant number of deck officers and engineers, participants in all seminars, were surveyed to create a clear picture of the quality of such education and training. Collected data were used for the analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) associated with the surveyed fleet officer’s seminars. A comparative analysis of this type of postgraduate training was made, while taking in mind higher marine education and training. The article summarizes the authors’ experience of their sea service as Officers of the Watch and Masters on board of merchant vessels, as well as participants in postgraduate education and training. Conclusions for close cooperation between shipping companies and maritime educational institutions are made. Full article

Determining the route from the starting point to the destination is one of the first tasks performed when planning a ship’s voyage. Before the computer age, routes were plotted manually by seafarers based on maps. Nowadays, algorithms are used for this purpose, which make it possible to reach any port in the world. In scientific publications, one can mostly find algorithms that generate global routes based on historical weather and traffic data on major sea lanes. Such routes do not take into account the current hydrometeorological conditions in the area where the ship is currently located, so that disturbances generated by environmental forces can increase energy consumption. A solution to the problem can be local routing based on the currently prevailing hydrometeorological conditions. With this approach, it is possible to respond to dynamically changing sea conditions, determine the route along which the impact of environmental forces on the hull will be least severe and minimize fuel and energy consumption. This paper presents an algorithm that determines the local passage route of an offshore ship using the example of a vessel moving to an anchorage to drop anchor. The algorithm defines a grid of points between the start point (the vessel’s current position) and the end point (the anchor position), and then determines the transition weights between each grid point based on the vessel’s capability plots. Finally, a modified Dijkstra algorithm determines the route where the sum of the transition weights will be as small as possible. During the tests, it was found that the time needed to find the passage route depended on the chosen grid density of the waypoints and was as follows: for a 6 × 6 grid—0.05 s, for an 11 × 11 grid—0.36 s, for a 16 × 16 grid—0.47 s and for a 21 × 21 grid—0.85 s. It was also found that the algorithm identified a route where the impact of environmental forces on the ship’s hull was 13% less than the direct route to the destination, resulting in a 7.5% reduction in energy consumption. The operation of the algorithm for determining the passage route was demonstrated in the anchor design tool developed in the Unity3D environment. Full article

Background: Working on board presents unique healthcare challenges for maritime personnel. Italian Law mandates a medical fitness assessment for seafarers registry enrolment. The Port Health Officer assesses seaworthiness and, against this judgment, the applicants can appeal to the First-degree Medical Commission. Studies on maritime personnel’s medical fitness are limited and primarily focus on the health conditions of individuals already employed in the maritime sector. Methods: A retrospective study reviewed 459 medical reports of 361 seafarers from Naples’ Port Authority First-degree Medical Commission (2013–2022). Characteristics such as sex, age, diseases, and suitability judgments were analyzed. Results: Out of the 361 candidates, most were male with an average age of 28.67 years. A total of 160 (44.32%) were deemed suitable for matriculation in both the first and second categories, 79 (21.88%) were approved for one category, 53 (14.68%) were found not suitable, and 69 (19.11%) are still under assessment. Eye diseases were most common (50.83%), followed by cardiovascular and orthopedic conditions. Applicants with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, psychiatric disorders, and advanced tumors were declared unsuitable. Conclusion: Our study provides opportunities to improve applicants’ awareness of the physical requirements for pursuing a career in navigation and to update the list of illnesses and physical impairments used for this medico-legal evaluation. Full article

The maritime sector is increasingly integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies to enhance safety, environmental protection, and operational efficiency. With the introduction of the MASS Code by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which regulates Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS), ensuring the safety of AI-integrated systems on these vessels has become critical. To achieve safe navigation, it is essential to identify potential risks during the system planning stage and design systems that can effectively address these risks. This paper proposes RA4MAIS (Risk Assessment for Maritime Artificial Intelligence Safety), a risk identification method specifically useful for developing AI-integrated maritime systems. RA4MAIS employs a systematic approach to uncover potential risks by considering internal system failures, human interactions, environmental conditions, AI-specific characteristics, and data quality issues. The method provides structured guidance to identify unknown risk situations and supports the development of safety requirements that guide system design and implementation. A case study on an Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) with an AI-integrated collision avoidance function demonstrates the applicability of RA4MAIS, highlighting its effectiveness in identifying specific risks related to AI performance and reliability. The proposed method offers a foundational step towards enhancing the safety of software systems, contributing to the safe operation of autonomous ships. Full article

The Manila Amendment 2010 to the STCW International Convention has made clear requirements for seafarers to use the navigation simulation system for training. A shipborne echo sounder is an important navigation aid equipment necessary for a ship’s bridge. Proper use of this equipment can effectively prevent ship grounding accidents. Given the lack of research on simulating different seabed substrate echoes within echo sounder simulations, this paper proposes an algorithm for generating echoes and clutter from various seabed substrates, based on the Jackson model and noise model. Using the seabed echo generation algorithm, the bathymetric data and seabed echo under the influence of ship rolling are generated, the seabed echo simulation of the sounder under the influence of four different grazing angles and six different substrates is realized. Clutter images, including random noise, bubble interference, co-frequency interference, and fish school interference, are also simulated. A typical ship echo sounder simulator is designed and developed. The echo sounder simulator developed in this paper has high realism in seabed echoes and clutter simulation, complete functions, and friendly human–computer interaction. The system has been used by college students and crews, with satisfactory results, which can effectively meet the needs of actual training of seafarers. Full article

In order to explore the effect of loneliness on work engagement and the role of executive function in Chinese seafarers, two studies were carried out. Study 1 conducted a questionnaire survey of 1231 active Chinese seafarers to examine the relationship between seafarers’ loneliness, work engagement, and executive functions. Study 2 involved 177 seafarers as participants and created scenarios of seafarer work loneliness and non-loneliness using a recall paradigm, measuring components of executive function such as inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility, as well as willingness to engage in work. The findings indicate that seafarers’ sense of loneliness can significantly negatively predict their work engagement, with inhibition control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility playing mediating roles. This provides new references and insights for alleviating the negative impact of loneliness on seafarers and enhancing their work engagement through cognitive approaches. Full article

Seafarers are recognized as essential workers responsible for maintaining the national logistics supply chain. This study analyzes the sustainable seafarers’ employment and welfare systems in South Korea and China using the comparative case study approach and presents relevant implications. In the era of the “New Normal” after the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, which is marked by hyper-personalization, seafarers have become increasingly resistant to acquiring maritime education and performing onboard duties. Even though South Korea has recognized seafarers as key agents of national economic growth, the participation of the new generation in the shipping industry has recently been declining. Meanwhile, China has been developing its shipping industry since the Deng Xiaoping reforms and fosters skilled seafarers by providing rigorous maritime education. However, both countries have been experiencing difficulties in ensuring the legal and social protection of seafarers; hence, the challenge of providing sustainable employment and welfare to seafarers remains. In conclusion, this study proposes the establishment of the “Asia Maritime Education, Employment, and Welfare Support Center” to support seafarers’ employment and welfare with the cooperation of other countries in the Asian region. Full article

Malaria is a major international public health problem. The risk of acquiring malaria varies depending on the intensity of transmission and adherence to mosquito precautions and prophylaxis recommendations. Severe malaria can cause significant multiorgan dysfunction, including acute kidney injury (AKI). Intravenous artesunate is the treatment of choice for severe malaria in non-endemic areas. One of the possible events connected with the lifesaving effects of artemisins is post-artesunate haemolysis (PADH), which may be potentially dangerous and under-recognised. We present a case of a seafarer with severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria complicated with AKI and PADH, with a good response to steroid treatment. This case highlights the need for malaria prophylaxis in business travellers, e.g., seafarers to malara-endemic regions, and close supervision of patients with malaria even after the completion of antimalarial treatment due to the possibility of late complications. Full article

Long kept in the British Library, a liturgical manuscript from the port of Haicheng, Fujian, holds details of the rich system of beliefs that Chinese sailors held. Originally untitled, the text by the shelfmark OR12693/18 is usually referred to as “Libation Ritual (for Ship Safety)” ([An Chuan] Zhuoxian Ke [(安船)酌献科]). Formerly, it was given scholarly attention mostly due to its addended lists of maritime placenames, which follows Qing-era sea routes across China’s coasts and to the South China Sea. Further inquiry into the manuscript’s terminology, deity names, and maritime knowledge confirms its deep relation to sailors’ lore. By tracing this text into a wide range of sources, this paper demonstrates how manuscript OR12693/18 reflects a cohesive maritime system of beliefs and knowledge. Manifested within the prayer are a hierarchical pantheon, ritual practices, and a perceived sacred seascape. Moreover, it is evident that the manuscript belonged to a tradition of sailing ritual masters who were regular members of the crew onboard junks. As such, this paper offers an analysis of a religious-professional tradition with trans-local aspects, shedding new light on seafaring in pre-modern China. Full article

Considerable technological progress has been made in ship handling and mooring in recent years, especially progress generated by the needs imposed by the introduction of ever larger ships. These advancements exploit the economic scale and environmental efficiency of larger vessels, but also present unique challenges, particularly in narrow waterways and harbour approaches. Precise navigation in these environments requires highly accurate hydrographic measurements, high-quality electronic charts, and advanced navigation systems, such as modern electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS). Safe and efficient port operations also depend on the optimised allocation of port resources and comprehensive queuing strategies. Modern ships are increasingly susceptible to interference with Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and Automatic Identification Systems (AIS), necessitating the development of resilient technologies and procedures to ensure navigational safety. In addition, climate change is exacerbating the challenges of ship handling in ports, as larger vessels are particularly vulnerable to sudden gusts of wind and have difficulty maintaining their position in the quay in strong crosswinds. Training and simulation are crucial to overcoming these challenges. Ship-handling simulators are invaluable for training purposes, but development is still needed to accurately simulate tilt and lean effects, especially when ships are sailing in narrow channels with following currents and changing winds. Improving the accuracy of these simulators will improve the preparation of seafarers for real-life conditions and ultimately contribute to safer and more efficient ship operations. Full article