Researchers from the Naval Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, including Benoit Clement, Marie Dubromel, Paulo E. Santos, Karl Sammut, Michelle Oppert, and Feras Dayoub, have published a position paper that delves into the complexities of achieving full autonomy for marine vessels. The paper, titled “Hybrid Navigation Acceptability and Safety,” addresses the critical requirements for developing robust and reliable control and guidance systems capable of handling various encounters with both manned and unmanned vessels under diverse weather and sea conditions.
The researchers highlight that while autonomous vessels have gained prominence, particularly in the naval defence sector, significant challenges remain. One of the most formidable hurdles is ensuring compliance with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs). These regulations, designed based on common navigation practices dating back to the mid-19th century, present a unique challenge for autonomous systems. The ambiguous language of COLREGs assumes a high level of cognitive understanding and interpretation by experienced sailors, capabilities that current intelligent systems have yet to fully achieve.
The paper explores the complexity of adapting COLREGs for safe vessel-on-vessel encounters, especially considering the interplay between autonomous maritime technology and manned vessels. The researchers emphasize the need for a trustworthy control and guidance system that can navigate the nuances of these regulations. They argue that achieving this level of sophistication requires advancements in the cognitive capabilities of autonomous systems, enabling them to understand and execute the intentions behind the regulations effectively.
The implications of this research extend beyond the naval defence sector. As the maritime industry increasingly adopts autonomous technologies, the findings underscore the importance of developing systems that can operate safely and reliably in various scenarios. The researchers’ work serves as a call to action for further innovation and collaboration within the field, aiming to bridge the gap between current technological capabilities and the stringent requirements of maritime safety regulations.
In summary, the position paper by Clement and colleagues provides a critical examination of the challenges and requirements for achieving full autonomy in marine vessels. By addressing the complexities of COLREGs and the need for advanced cognitive capabilities in autonomous systems, the researchers contribute valuable insights to the ongoing development of maritime technology. Their work highlights the necessity of continued research and innovation to ensure the safe and effective integration of autonomous vessels into the maritime landscape. Read the original research paper here.