The success of Search and Rescue action depends on the large number of different factors such as accident characteristics, environmental conditions and human factor. Accident characteristics and environmental conditions are outer controlled factors which have to be considered with respect to the action success assessment. The preparation and conducting of the SAR action can be the decisive factors of action success. Nowadays the organization of SAR action entirely depends on the coordinator decisions. His knowledge, experience and attitudes are the critical factors for the action success. The paper presents the influence of the coordinator attitudes on SAR action efficiency and idea of a decisional model with respect to the tasks of the coordinator. The basic human attitudes to take a risk: aversion to risk, neutrality and predisposition to take a risk have been studie

The paper discusses the influence of the main vessel operational parameters on fuel consumption. These parameters are the speed trough the water, mean draft and trim. The focus is set to the flow phenomena around certain elements of hull geometry as they are sensitive on the selection of discussed parameters. Therefore, the understanding of the flow properties and their impact on ship resistance thus the fuel consumption and emission is crucial taking into account legislative changes imposed by IMO with respect to carbon dioxide emissions from ships

The paper presents the theoretical and experimental methods used in scientific and operational practice to predict the hydrodynamic loads generated by propellers and thrusters on the hydrotechnical constructions. The influence of different parameters: pitch and rotational speed of the propeller, aft body form of the ship hull and shallow water effect on the velocity field are discusse

The paper presents environmental factors influencing the safety of ship access to a port. The factors are classified into real time, short and long term ones from the point of view of modeling and real time risk assessment. An example of a long term prognosis for a surface current is given. The risk assessment of ship approach to a port based on a stochastic model of ship motions under wind and wave is proposed.

Low controllability under strong winds presents a problem for the operation of inland vessels, which can be improved using passive bow rudders and transverse thrusters. Bow thrusters can sufficiently improve the manoeuvrability at low speeds, but an unsolved problem is course maintaining and yaw checking of a vessel at medium and high speeds. This paper proposes the use of a bow steering system in which the bow rotors generate a Magnus force. The first physical test model of the system showed promising results and that much more research must be performed before this system can be used in industrial applications. The paper presents the results of a numerical study on the flow field generated by bow rotors. The first stage of a ship’s turn using the bow rotors was used to determine the dependence of the expected steering force on the inflow velocity and rotational speed of the rotors. The influence of the flow generated by the bow steering system on river banks and quay walls during manoeuvres was also discussed.

The main interest in introducing maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS) is centered on communication, autonomous navigation, and collision avoidance systems. This paper presents a more comprehensive approach, accounting for selected issues relating to navigation safety, ship operation, maritime rescue, and decision support systems for the MASS remote managing operator. The technical solutions for improving the safety of MASS operation are described, and the decision support system (DSS) for the MASS operator, based on the stochastic model of the process describing the safety of MASS operation, is proposed. The presented analysis can be used to build a computer program and an integrated decision support system that increases the safety and reliability of the MASS operator’s decision-making process.

Rapid technological progress in the field of autonomous surface ships (MASS) has outpaced international regulations concerning the safety of their operation and various research centers and classification societies, which independently conduct work on requirements of MASS safety. The implementation of “remote” risk management during MASS voyages, with the support of remote operations center (ROC) operators, is generally recognized as key to safety in MASS operations. This paper presents issues related to the operation of MASS in the context of long-distance voyage planning, taking into account the risk management process. The factors initiating hazards in MASS operation are described with the background of current requirements for the crewed ships. The voyage plan and route selection are presented using the example of a bulk carrier sailing from Gdynia to Miami in the winter season. A MASS casualty accident probability model related to the hazards occurring at individual stages of the ship’s voyage, based on the Poisson distribution, is proposed.