In the ever-busy world of maritime navigation, a new study has shed light on a persistent problem: confusion surrounding Rule 10 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), particularly within Traffic Separation Schemes (TSS). Led by Ivan Vilić from the Faculty of Maritime Studies at the University of Rijeka, Croatia, the research, published in the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, reveals that a significant number of maritime professionals struggle with this crucial rule, which could have serious implications for safety at sea.
The study, which surveyed marine industry professionals worldwide, found that more than half of the respondents had a notable knowledge gap in Rule 10. This rule, which deals with traffic separation schemes, is often misunderstood, according to Vilić. “We initially assumed that more than half of the respondents knew COLREG regulations well,” Vilić said. “But the survey results, backed by probability calculations and chi-square tests, showed significant rule misunderstanding across all categories—Officers of the Watch, Masters, and others.”
So, what does this mean for the maritime industry? For starters, it highlights the need for improved training and education. But it also opens up opportunities for technological solutions. The study proposes a Decision Support System (DSS) to help navigators make safer, more informed decisions within TSS. This system, which integrates real-time AIS navigational status data, could enhance compliance with regulatory frameworks and improve overall navigational safety.
One of the key innovations of the proposed DSS is the Fall-Back Strategy (FBS). This strategy ensures system resilience by guiding operator response if opposing vessels disobey COLREG rules. “Based on the vessel’s dynamic context and COLREG hierarchy, the proposed DSS Architecture identifies and informs the navigator regarding stand-on or give-way obligations among vessels,” Vilić explained.
For the maritime sector, this research could lead to safer waters and more efficient traffic management. It also presents commercial opportunities for tech companies to develop and implement such DSS. As maritime traffic density increases, the need for advanced navigation tools becomes ever more pressing. This study, therefore, not only highlights a critical issue but also points towards a promising solution.
In the meantime, maritime professionals are encouraged to brush up on their knowledge of COLREGs, particularly Rule 10. After all, as the study shows, a little more understanding could go a long way in preventing collisions and ensuring safety at sea.