Course content

Collision and grounding avoidance at sea: ARPA, AIS, ECDIS systems, derivation of DCPA and TCPA, speed-aspect ratio, UKC management in shallow waters and channels. Shipboard weather routing: Isochrone method for minimum time/fuel routing, formulation of optimization problem, methods for solving, algorithms. Astronomic navigation: Formulation and solution of the celestial positioning problem without dead reckoning nor GMT. Environmental Stress (ES) model for evaluation of ship-handling difficulties in congested and topographically restricted waterways: Principle, subjective stress values, applications. Cable mechanics with nautical applications: Marine seismic cable operations, deep-water ocean buoy mooring, cable-laying operations with seabed plough, electro-magnetic seabed logging, towed instrument platforms, deployment of inflated boom for oil recovery.

Learning outcome

To provide a basic knowledge in maritime technology with emphasis on navigational safety at sea, operational efficiency of nautical operations and the importance of a link between developers and end-users of nautical systems.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and compulsory exercises. Case studies. A project exercise will count 30 % in the grading.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

None.

Course materials

Compendium, lecture notes, technical/scientific papers.