DETERMINATION OF RISK OF COLLISION USING TWENTIETH CENTURY TECHNIQUES

The advent of radar was thought by many to provide the ultimate solution but these thoughts were severely jarred by the Stockholm and Andrea Doria collision. Today, many are considering another technological breakthrough, the sophisticated computer, as the final solution but others question whether we will merely see computer assisted collisions in the future. This paper examines the issue of proposed requirements for collision avoidance equipment including the need for this equipment and the potential benefits to be gained from this equipment. The examination of the benefits consists of analysis of the results of two major research efforts conducted in the United States. The first of these is a study of recent collisions in U.S. coastal waters and the analysis of both the factors that caused these casualties and the methods that might have prevented these casualties. The second study involves a comparison of the actions taken by experienced navigators using visual, radar, non-computerized and computerized aids. The results or these two studies are contrasted with results of studies done in the United Kingdom. With the study results as a background the United States efforts to encourage development of international standards for collision avoidance aids are addressed. The U.S. statutory requirement for shipboard carriage of this equipment is also discussed.