The application of fuzzy logic is an effective approach to a variety of circumstances, including solutions to maritime anti-collision problems. The article presents an upgrade of the radar navigation system, in particular, its collision avoidance planning tool, using a decision model that combines dynamic parameters into one decision—the collision avoidance course. In this paper, a multi-parametric decision model based on fuzzy logic is proposed. The model calculates course alteration in a collision avoidance situation. First, the model collects input data of the target vessel and assesses the collision risk. Using time delay, four parameters are calculated for further processing as input variables for a fuzzy inference system. Then, the fuzzy logic method is used to calculate the course alteration, which considers the vessel’s safety domain and International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs). The special feature of the decision model is its tuning with the results of the database of correct solutions obtained with the manual radar plotting method. The validation was carried out with six selected cases simulating encounters with the target vessel in the open sea from different angles and at any visibility. The results of the case studies have shown that the decision model computes well in situations where the own vessel is in a give-way position. In addition, the model provides good results in situations when the target vessel violates COLREG rules. The collision avoidance planning tool can be automated and serve as a basis for further implementation of a model that considers the manoeuvrability of the vessels, weather conditions, and multi-vessel encounter situations.

The paper presents an analysis of ship traffic using the port of Świnoujście and the problems associated with modelling vessel traffic flows. Navigation patterns were studied using the Automatic Identification System (AIS); an analysis of vessel traffic was performed with statistical methods using historical data; and the paper presents probabilistic models of the spatial distribution of vessel traffic and its parameters. The factors that influence the spatial distribution were considered to be the types of vessels, dimensions, and distances to hazards. The results show a correlation between the standard deviation of the traffic flow, the vessel sizes, and the distance to the hazard. These can be used in practice to determine the safety of navigation and the design of non-existing waterways and to create a general model of vessel traffic flow. The creation of the practical applications is intended to improve navigation efficiency, safety, and risk analysis in any particular area.

The environmental effects of ship propellers were not even close to fully examined before the current massive ships were introduced to sea trade. Larger ships, result in greater length, beam, draft and propulsion power. Of concern here is the under-keel clearance (UKC) and applied power, the most important parameters causing sea bottom sediment resuspension and, consequently, the transport and deposition of washed sediments. The problems are multifarious: shorelines could be contaminated with heavy metals, petroleum hydrocarbons and other organic chemicals, which are sometimes buried deep in the sediment bed. The effects of resuspension on marine life have been well documented by marine biologists. Further, a ship passing through a flow field may have a significant hydrodynamic effect on the shipping channel: waves generated by moving vessels can accelerate shoreline erosion; erosion around quay piles have a negative impact on sea flora. Waves can also affect other manoeuvring vessels or ships at berth. Available empirical models are applicable for a steady state condition, addressing velocity and, consequently, shears at the sea bottom for defined UKC and states of applied power. The idea here is to calculate material resuspension dynamically in the water column based on realistic manoeuvring conditions, which can be a matter of some complexity. During a manoeuvre, the pilot must bring the ship into or out of the harbour in the safest possible way, operating the telegraph, rudder, thrusters and possibly tugs, and also co-ordinating the work of the linesmen. The jet speed powering the vessel is not only a function of the speed of the propeller, but also of the present speed of the ship, which has an effect on the propeller’s constantly changing torque. Additionally, the bathymetry is constantly changing, and the streamlines hit not only the seabed, but also the bank and other structures of the harbour basin. The resuspended material remains in the column long after the ship has finished manoeuvring, moving slowly through the entire water column and being transported not only by the remaining streamlines of the ship but also by general currents. Realistic manoeuvring parameters can be obtained from real-time simulations with a real crew using state-of-the-art Full Mission Bridge Simulators (FMBS); eddies and the like contribute to the distribution and material resuspension and can be calculated by applying numerical modelling. In this paper, a container ship departure manoeuvre is simulated dynamically using Wartsila FMBS obtained data, which are postprocessed and coupled with the MIKE 3 FM hydrodynamic modelling application to which we add the precise port of Koper bathymetry to gain ship propeller spatial jet velocity distribution in specific time domains. Obtained jet velocity distribution is further coupled with the MIKE 3 MT particle tracking application to visualize total resuspended sediment transport patterns, etc. Container ships were selected to amplify the urgency of this phenomenon; they are the most intrusive in terms of resuspending and scouring the seabed given their powerful engines and larger propellers. Passenger ships could have been used, car carriers, or even tankers; but the fear among scientists is that the issue will not be taken seriously enough by certain stakeholders.