The “A List” of Boating Tech

While autopilots have been in use for decades, the new “A” words of assisted docking and autonomous boating are on the current and future cutting-edge of technology. Here’s a look at what these technologies are and how they can combine to enhance your boating experience.

Autopilot

Computer-assisted autopilots allow an operator to plot and steer to a destination or multiple points along a selected route. The big difference between autopilot and autonomous operation is that autopilot is intended to supplement and assist an active operator, not replace them (to the extent an autonomous boat would anyway).

Assisted docking

Assisted or self-docking systems use GPS (along with sensors and cameras in most cases) to monitor a boat’s surroundings, allowing them to detect and avoid nearby vessels or obstacles when docking. Integrated into the vessel’s propulsion and steering systems, assisted docking systems analyze real-time data and imagery to assist a boat owner compensate for the effects of wind and current while maneuvering and docking in tight quarters.

Assisted docking systems have been around for several years and are the current wave of boat maneuvering technology. The first assisted docking system for recreational boats, Raymarine’s DockSense Control system features the company’s “Virtual Bumper Zone technology.” When integrated with the vessel’s propulsion system, it prevents the boat from striking docks, pilings or other vessels.

Volvo Penta’s Assisted Docking system is a hybrid between automated and manual docking that gives an operator enhanced control. The Assisted Docking system uses no external sensors, but instead integrates via software with Volvo’s Electronic Vessel Control and Dynamic Positioning system to compensate for variables such as wind and current.

Autonomous boating

In January 2022, the Soleil, a 728-foot Japanese car ferry, became the first large vessel to autonomously navigate without human intervention. The ferry traveled the 149-mile Iyonda Sea route and docked itself upon arrival.

Just seven days later, the 313-foot coastal container ship Mikage sailed into history after completing a two-day, 161-nautical-mile voyage between the Japanese ports of Tsuruga and Sakai, becoming the first merchant ship on this scale to make such a voyage entirely autonomously and with no humans aboard. Upon arrival, the ship performed autonomous mooring procedures, even using an automatic flight drone to carry the ship’s heaving line to handlers on the dock.

The success of autonomous efforts in the shipping industry means the technology will eventually make its way to smaller vessels. In fact, the autonomous navigation software company Avikus is currently working with Raymarine to develop an autonomous solution for recreational boats. The first product from this collaboration is the NeuBoat Dock 360 view assisted docking camera system.

Why are we doing this?

The primary goal of autonomous operation in the shipping world is to increase maritime safety by reducing human error. Reducing crew requirements, operating costs and greenhouse gasses are also high on the list of benefits.

For recreational boating, harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to make navigation and docking safer is a key goal; however, creating a more stress-free boating experience is also a driving factor. The easier it is to operate a vessel, the more a potential “on the fence” boat owner may be willing to take the plunge into the boating market.

A fully autonomous boat would not only be able keep a heading, but also safely navigate to your destination and dock at the end of your journey.

The devil’s in the details

While an autonomous automobile has to decide if it’s safe to enter an intersection or how to maneuver around vehicles, an autonomous boat is subject to many more variables. When approaching a dock, for example, it would have to consider not only vessel and dock position, but also the effects of wind, waves, state of tide and even dock height. Autonomous boats also face the challenge of operating in an ever-changing, often hostile environment.

Even if autonomous technology that could overcome these issues was ready tomorrow, how would it mesh with existing rules governing vessel navigation — particularly the lookout and watchkeeping requirements called for by law and good seamanship practices?

These are the types of questions that will have to be answered at the same pace as the technological advances of autonomous boating.