Radio/Radar Collision Avoidance Aid

Collisions between ships are relatively rare, but entail considerable damage to property and, frequently, loss of life. Most of the collisions occur when visibility is limited, due to darkness or weather. Numerous studies have concluded that only through coordinated maneuvers of both ship can collisions be effectively avoided. There are currently no techniques available to accomplish the necessary coordination at a low enough cost to enable widespread deployment. This paper describes a set of equipment and procedures which can accomplish this, using highly reliable technology which is currently available.