Implementation of a preliminary inference algorithm for an automatic communication system

One of the factors affecting a ship’s safety during its voyage is the ability to detect encounter situations. Navigators mostly use two parameters: closest point of approach (CPA) and time to CPA (TCPA). Their limit values, considered as safe, depend on the parameters of the vessel, geographic area, and weather conditions. These limits are set by the navigator and are based on his experience; however, in specific situations, there is a need to use other parameters, such as ship domain. It is very important for the automated communication system to determine the critical moment when intership communication should be started. The article presents an algorithm of automatic detection of situations where the communication should be initiated. The influence of data relating to the vessel, geographic area, and weather conditions can be taken into account. The output produced by the program, based on the authors’ algorithm, is presented.