RINAC - River-based Information, Navigation and Communication
Overview
Background & policy context:
Traffic development on European inland waterways stagnates well beyond its possibilities. At the same time, land-based freight transport suffers from congested roads and unsatisfactory rail services. Inland navigation may contribute considerably to the solution of these problems.
Present day inland navigation is based on voice communication and shipboard radar. More information needs to be available and presented to ships’ crews as traffic density increases, vessels grow larger and in consequence have more limited manoeuvrability, and requirements for training, qualification and certification are tightening.
Objectives:
The general objective of RINAC is the identification of the functional requirements for introducing a river-based information, navigation and communication system on board an inland navigation vessel which is integrated with the shore-based radar and transponder systems for traffic monitoring and individual vessel tracking and identification.
The specific objective is to examine the need for the installation of an additional information system, ie in addition to the vessel’s navigation display system.
Methodology:
The task will be approached by identifying the functional requirements to introduce RINAC as the control centre on board an inland navigation vessel consisting of a navigation display and a communication console and including the integration of shore-based radar and transponder systems, the integration of the existing sensor equipment on board, including new sensor technologies and sophisticated auto pilots, and the integration of communication equipment on the basis of available hydrographic and infrastructural data.
A review of present day training courses and certification in the different countries needs to be carried out and the harmonisation of a common, West European licence needs to be evaluated.
The project will also make use of a number of scenarios of river traffic conditions and work with reference ships, including tankers. Special requirements for push barge trains will be considered.
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