An Integrated Bridge System (IBS) contains a fully duplicated Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS). Although duplication should increase system reliability, reliability and availability are not improved. Proper ECDIS maintenance includes updating both: the information system and the provided chart system. This procedure, in practice, tends to decrease reliability and availability. A Markov ECDIS simulation model is given. A new design concept is presented and proposed. The entire ECDIS system is improved by adding a cold standby system preventing the occurrence of errors due to updating and upgrading of the system device.

This paper presents a model of agent-based architecture for fighting fires on ships. The introduction of agent technology in firefighting decision-making is a step towards safe autonomous vessels. The human factor can be excluded through the introduction of agent-based technology for the detection and extinguishing of fires onboard ships. The aim is to reduce the number of injuries and deaths, and minimize loss of ships and cargo. Another advantage of agent-based technology is its easy interoperability with other automated onboard systems. The presented model was implemented on a prototype in a simulation environment. The results of the experiment conducted on the implemented prototype are also presented.

Despite modern ship technologies, high-quality crew accommodation and exceptional communications, the absence of a doctor on board presents an issue in terms of the timely, adequate and efficient response to acute health disorders and life-threatening injuries. A serious health condition of an injured or sick person, insufficient medical knowledge of the on-board officers, inadequately equipped ship's infirmary, or scarce supply of medicines are among the typical reasons for requesting professional shore-based medical assistance. This can be achieved by requesting Radio Medical Advice or by activating airborne medical assistance, i.e. bringing a doctor by helicopter or by Medical Evacuation, i.e. transferring the ill or injured person to the shore medical institution. The Maritime Telemedical Assistance Services are available across the world. They use all the technical possibilities available, including e-mails and very widely used photo and video attachments as well as the emergency real-time live videos. In on-board practice, the most common solution is to use medical advice over the radio (through terrestrial or satellite networks). This paper discusses the ways of requesting professional medical advice or aid on board ocean-going merchant ships in the Republic of Croatia.

There is a high risk of accidents onboard ships despite the implementation of technologically advanced subsystems whose basic function is protecting people and reducing material damage. Research of human error analysis indicate that human factor substitution with program agents can achieve significant improvements in decision-making processes in distress ship situations. This research will carry out a functional analysis of ship's distress situations and analysis of available agent technologies. By means of analyses input indicators will be identified according to which appropriate types of program agents will be selected. According to the preselected agent technology, a decision model will be developed in the selected class of distress ship's situations.

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Maritime safety is an ongoing process in shipping that is constantly being improved by the modernization of equipment and constant improvements in operators’ safety procedures and training. However, human error remains a significant factor in maritime accidents, as it contributes to 75% of incidents. Addressing this problem, the current paper shows a proof of principal for on-board fire monitoring and extinguishing software agents that may be used to upgrade present systems and contribute to an autonomous ship design. Agent technology that engages fire detection and firefighting equipment while minimizing human intervention will reduce the risks of human error and increase maritime safety.