ABSTRACT
The following paper presents novel approach to mathematical vessel’s movement prediction and incoming manoeuvre estimation by proposing non-linear approximation. The stated calculus aims to derive formulas allowing any tracking and traffic systems to estimate position of a nautical vessel in a shortterm future, which bases on data analysis via polynomial equation approximation technique. A numerical example is intended to prove possibilities of potential application in navigational decision support systems and in manoeuvring operations either in port or in open sea. Ultimately the calculus is compared to other parallel mathematical tools, widely used for proposition of vessel’s position behaviour as a function of time, in order to contemplate the constatation of positive application’s value.
