ABSTRACT
This chapter highlights several advances in sensor technology as applied to present, developing and entirely new generations of conventionally manned, unmanned and autonomous vessels. Much of the motivation for new technologies stems from developments in the area of unmanned and autonomous vehicles as needed by enhanced sensor suites, sensor data fusion technology, computers and communication systems that allow them to operate without seafarers onboard. However, these technologies that benefit efforts towards the automation of ship operations continue to be integrated into the bridges of conventionally staffed vessels to assist seafarers in the performance of their duties. Particular mention is made of five new, and maybe not-so-new, technologies that include:
Drone aircraft and subsea systems.
Forward-Looking navigation Sonar (FLS).
electronic Celestial Navigation Systems (eCNS).
Virtual Aids to Navigation (VAtoN) that do not require the use of VHF radio.
Quantum sensing.
These sensor technologies and new inventions must be considered in terms of functional, practical, legal and ethical impact on future enhancements to international conventions and codes under the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Specific mention is made of the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention, the Polar Code, the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), and the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs). Also considered are regulations, standards, guidance documents and practices by the many nation-states, shipping companies and labor organizations, classification societies, insurers and non-governmental organizations in the maritime industry.
