Maritime collision and liability

Zhao, Jingsong (1996) Maritime collision and liability. University of Southampton, Doctoral Thesis.

Abstract

Collision prevention and liability is analyzed from both the legal and the technical aspects.

The time when the Rules begin to apply is analyzed first, with the conclusion that the Collision Regulations begin to apply when two vessels are approaching so as to involve risk of collision, the risk of collision will exist immediately. The risk of collision within the Rules consists of three elements, namely small DCPA, closing enough and possibility of unco-ordinated action. Rule 7 is not good enough to define the risk of collision.

Furthermore, the legal interpretation of the Rule 17(a)(i) and (ii) is discussed, especially the legal meaning of course and speed and the special circumstances when the stand-on vessel is released from her duty to keep course and speed although she alterates them. Some other comments are made on whether the Rule 17(a)(ii) is an option or an obligation and other aspects of the Rules.

This study has used data obtained at sea from particular cases of behaviour as it happened. Decision making simulation models are developed with fuzzy programming methods. The uncertainty and uncoordination of mariner's behaviour is examined with such models. Finally, an automatic collision avoidance decision making system (ACAS) is developed with fuzzy sets and neural networks, whose application to collision liability division is also discussed.

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