Glossary

Collision Avoidance Systems are technologies designed to prevent collisions (and close encounter events) between vessels and marine obstacles by using various sensors in combination with Radar and data analysis. These systems detect and classify targets, and provide alerts and automated guidance to help mariners avoid potential hazards. Vital in both open waters and congested areas, collision avoidance systems enable safer navigation by offering real-time information and decision support to bridge teams.

A Digital Watchkeeper is an advanced navigational monitoring system that uses AI and computer-vision sensors to continuously track vessel movements, surrounding maritime traffic, and ambient environmental conditions (weather and sea state). The system enhances situational awareness for bridge teams by providing real-time data, alerts, and automated recommendations, supporting safer navigation and collision avoidance.

Safety Compliance in the maritime industry refers to the adherence to international regulations, standards, and procedures designed to ensure the safe operation of vessels. It involves meeting the requirements established by entities such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO), flag states, insurance providers, etc, and maintaining safety management practices to minimize risks to life, property, and the marine environment.

Incident Prevention encompasses strategies, systems, and protocols used to avoid accidents and dangerous situations on ships. This involves proactive measures such as risk assessments, crew training, and the use of advanced navigation technologies to minimize the likelihood of collisions, groundings, and other safety risks.

Close Encounter Events refer to situations where vessels come dangerously close to one another, risking collision or other maritime incidents. These events often require immediate action by bridge teams to alter course or speed, highlighting the importance of situational awareness and collision avoidance systems.

Near Misses in maritime contexts are incidents where a collision or dangerous situation is narrowly avoided. They serve as critical indicators of potential safety risks and are often analyzed after the event to improve safety protocols and prevent future incidents.

Average Minimum Distance refers to the average closest distance at which two vessels pass each other at sea. Monitoring this metric helps evaluate navigational safety and assess the effectiveness of collision avoidance measures.

Safety Risk Management is an ongoing process whose purpose is to identify, assess, and mitigate risks that could impact the safety of vessels, crews, cargo, and the marine environment. This proactive process relies on procedures, training, and technologies that, when implemented, can manage potential hazards and ensure safer maritime operations.

Safety Standards in the maritime industry are established criteria that vessels, operators, and crews must meet to ensure safe navigation and operations. These standards include guidelines for equipment, vessel construction, crew training, and operational procedures that strive to reduce risks at sea. Each shipping company has its own Safety Management System (SMS) that details these standards.

Compliance Monitoring involves overseeing and verifying that a vessel and its operations adhere to safety regulations, standards, and procedures, in line with international and national maritime laws and enhancing safety and reducing legal risks. Compliance Monitoring is executed primarily through the examination of valid documentation and  effective vessel screening.

Safety Alerts and Notifications are real-time messages generated by onboard systems to inform crews and onshore office teams about potential hazards or safety issues. These alerts help bridge teams take timely action, such as changing course or speed, to prevent accidents and maintain safe navigation. Maritime Domain Awareness

Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) refers to the effective understanding of all activities, events, and conditions within the maritime environment that could impact safety, security, economy, or the environment. It involves the collection, analysis, and dissemination of data related to vessel movements, maritime threats, and environmental conditions to ensure informed decision-making and enhanced maritime security.

Target Prioritization is the process of identifying and ranking potential navigational hazards, such as nearby vessels or obstacles, based on their proximity and risk level. This allows bridge teams to focus on the most immediate threats and take appropriate action to ensure safe passage.

A Safety Management System (SMS) is a systematic framework designed to ensure safe and environmentally sound vessel operations. The SMS outlines protocols for risk assessment, emergency preparedness, and continuous safety improvement, aiming to meet international standards like the ISM Code and reduce operational risks.

SMS Compliance focuses on ensuring that a vessel follows the specific procedures and protocols outlined in its owner/operator’s SMS. This involves conducting audits, inspections, and corrective actions to verify that safety practices align with international regulations, thereby maintaining a safe and regulatory-compliant operating environment.

Hazard Detection involves the use of sensors, radars, and other technologies to identify potential dangers to a vessel, such as other ships, floating objects, and navigational obstructions in order to take preventive measures to avoid collisions or groundings. Effective hazard detection is key to maintaining safe navigation, especially in congested or high-traffic areas.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for regulating global shipping. Its primary objectives include enhancing maritime safety, security, and preventing marine pollution. The IMO sets global standards for the safety and operation of vessels, including conventions like SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and MARPOL (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships).

The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) provide guidelines for navigational conduct at sea to avoid collisions between vessels. These rules specify responsibilities for vessels under various circumstances, such as right of way, safe speed, and conduct during overtaking or crossing situations.

The GMDSS is an internationally agreed-upon system that uses satellite and terrestrial communication technologies to ensure rapid and effective communication during distress and safety incidents at sea. GMDSS provides automatic alerting and search-and-rescue capabilities, making it easier for ships to receive emergency assistance. The system is a crucial component of maritime safety, enabling vessels to communicate with shore-based rescue services worldwide.

The ISM Code is an international standard for the safe management and operation of ships and pollution prevention. Established by the IMO, the ISM code requires shipping companies to implement a Safety Management System (SMS) that includes protocols for safe operations, emergency preparedness, and continuous improvement. Compliance with the ISM Code is mandatory for many types of vessels, ensuring accountability and a systematic approach to managing safety risks.

Maritime Safety Regulations are rules and standards established to ensure the safe operation of ships, protection of the marine environment, and the safety of cargo, seafarers and passengers. These regulations cover various aspects such as vessel construction, equipment, crew qualifications, and operational procedures, and are enforced by international organizations like the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and national maritime authorities.

A BNWAS is a safety device installed on the bridge to monitor the alertness of the watch-responsible officer. It ensures that he/she remains vigilant by requiring regular acknowledgment through activating a button or sensor. Should he/she fail to respond within a set interval, the system triggers visual and audible alarms to alert other crew members, thereby helping to prevent accidents due to inattentiveness or incapacitation.