Perspective Chapter: Training Autonomous Ships for Safe Navigation

Abstract

The capabilities of autonomous (surface) sea vessels have been improving in recent years, as a result of advances in communication, sensing and navigation systems. An autonomous vessel must be capable of accomplishing its voyage in a safe manner, i.e., without endangering other nearby vessels or disrupting their navigation. This chapter discusses topics related to safe navigation of autonomous vessels, particularly regarding their ability to plan safe sailing routes under dynamic sea traffic conditions. The chapter proposes an autonomous vessel training approach where the learning vessel’s navigation system plans routes in a high fidelity training environment that utilises AIS data. The resulting route is then assessed for safety risks, and a feedback score is used to improve the planning capability. The approach is demonstrated with the scenario of autonomously crossing the English Channel.