ABSTRACT
Methods of navigation for future unmanned and autonomous ships can be described in many ways. This chapter describes key concepts related to vessel navigation using physical and electronic aids to determine current and future position and other vessel traffic to avoid collisions, allision with objects and groundings and to handle other contingencies that may be encountered during transit. The use of Aids to Navigation (ATON) to guide travelers toward their destinations is commonplace across all modes of transportation. Marine ATON are devices or systems external to vessels designed and operated to enhance the safe and efficient navigation of vessels and/or vessel traffic. A large number of environmental sensor systems dedicated to monitoring the surface ship maritime environment are needed to not only replicate the human senses, but to exceed human capabilities in terms of their effective physical and spectral range, sensitivity and resolution.
