Ship-to-ship Dialogs Using A Finite State Machine

Abstract

Collision Avoidance Systems require correct and unambiguous application of the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs). Ship-to-ship dialogs, aimed at sharing encounter data to comply with COLREGs and reaching maneuvering agreements, would help to reduce the risk of collision. Finite State Machine (FSM) is a mathematical model for describing the sequential behavior of a control program. Sequential function chart (SFC) based on FSM, is a graphical programming language for Programmable Logic Controllers, defined by the international standard IEC 61131-3. In this work, SFC language is used to model and program the set of states and transitions involved in the ship-to-ship dialogs initiated when one of them detects a risky situation. SFC facilitates the development, verification, and maintenance of the control program. The implemented ship-to-ship communications to share data will help in eliminating differences in decision-making and achieving safer encounters. An example of a risky encounter illustrates this assertion, not contemplated in the related studies consulted. The implemented dialogs will enable sharing information on the encounter characteristics and reaching agreements on the maneuvers to be performed, or maintaining a record about disagreements.