Fuzzy logic based dynamic decision-making system for intelligent navigation strategy within inland traffic separation schemes

This paper proposes a fuzzy logic-based intelligent decision-making approach for navigation strategy selection in the inland traffic separation scheme. The dynamic characteristics of navigation process, including free navigation, ship following and ship overtaking, are further analysed. The proposed model can be implemented in the decision support system for safe navigation or be included in the process of autonomous navigation. The decision-making model is achieved from the perception-anticipation-inference-strategy perspective, and the dynamic features of ships (i.e. speed, distance, and traffic flow) are comprehensively considered in the modelling process. From the results of both scenarios for overtaking and following, it illustrates that the timing is significant for strategy selection and should well consider the complex situation and ship behaviours, moreover, the proposed approach can be used for intelligent strategy selection.