What is your Intention? Communicating Routes in Electronic Nautical Charts

Abstract

This paper reports preliminary findings on a simulator study looking for unintended consequences of letting ships exchange routs by use of the Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS). In a prototype system tested ship's intended routes are visible to other ships, and the Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) has the ability to send suggested routes to addressed ships. Preliminary findings show positive response from professional participants in the study although some concerns were also raised.