Collision Risk Assessment by using Hierarchical Clustering Method and Real-time Data

Abstract

The identification of regional collision risks in water areas is significant for the safety of navigation. This paper introduces a new method of collision risk assessment that incorporates a clustering method based on the distance factor - hierarchical clustering - and uses real-time data in case of several surrounding vessels, group methodology and preliminary assessment to classify vessels and evaluate the basis of collision risk evaluation (called HCAAP processing). The vessels are clustered using the hierarchical program to obtain clusters of encounter vessels and are combined with the preliminary assessment to filter relatively safe vessels. Subsequently, the distance at the closest point of approach (DCPA) and time to the closest point of approach (TCPA) between encounter vessels within each cluster are calculated to obtain the relation and comparison with the collision risk index (CRI). The mathematical relationship of CRI for each cluster of encounter vessels with DCPA and TCPA is constructed using a negative exponential function. Operators can easily evaluate the safety of all vessels navigating in the defined area using the calculated CRI. Therefore, this framework can improve the safety and security of vessel traffic transportation and reduce the loss of life and property. To illustrate the effectiveness of the framework proposed, an experimental case study was conducted within the coastal waters of Mokpo, Korea. The results demonstrated that the framework was effective and efficient in detecting and ranking collision risk indexes between encounter vessels within each cluster, which allowed an automatic risk prioritization of encounter vessels for further investigation by operators.