Purpose. The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) issues Findings of Concern to disseminate information related to unsafe conditions that were identified as causal factors to a casualty and could contribute to future incidents. Findings of Concern are intended to educate the public, state, or local agencies about the conditions discovered so they may address the findings with an appropriate voluntary action or highlight existing applicable company policies or state/local regulations.
The Incident. On the morning of November 20, 2024, a 15-foot aluminum Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) was conducting sea trials in the Delaware Bay when it collided with its chase/observer vessel, a USCG inspected small passenger vessel (SPV). At the time of the incident, the GARC was being controlled by its onboard autonomous system and backed up
by a remote operator aboard the SPV in very close proximity. Due to the GARC’s close proximity to the SPV, the remote operator was unable to adjust the vessel’s course in time to prevent the collision, and the GARC’s autonomous collision avoidance system also failed to engage and prevent the collision as the collision avoidance software “forgot” items in close proximity for an extended period of time. The impact caused significant damage to both vessels, exceeding $80,000.
Contributing Factors and Analysis. The USCG’s investigation identified several contributing factors to the incident, including: (1) insufficient understanding of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 (COLREGS) by the GARC operator as the vessel did not maintain a proper lookout onboard; (2) limited target storage capacity of the radar system installed on the GARC causing the software to “forget” targets; (3) inadequate test planning and coordination, including the use of non-participating commercial vessels as test targets without prior notification to or coordination with their operators; and (4) the absence of a thorough operational risk assessment accounting for a potential collision with the chase vessel operating in close proximity.
Findings of Concern. The chase/observer vessel was inspected by the USCG in accordance with Title 46 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Subchapter T. Operating inspected vessels alongside experimental craft, such as the GARC, introduces new and unforeseen risks to all mariners, particularly those operators and passengers directly involved in the testing. During testing, the
GARC owner/operator used a deep draft passenger vessel and a crude oil tankship as targets to collect operational data, without informing the operators of those vessels. Additionally, GARC design engineers demonstrated limited familiarity with the regulatory requirements outlined in 33 CFR Part 83 (Inland Navigation Rules), specifically the requirements for maintaining a proper lookout.
To ensure operations are conducted safely and do not adversely impact port safety, security or the flow of maritime commerce, the USCG strongly recommends that unmanned (autonomous) maritime systems operators:
- Notify the cognizant Captain of the Port (COTP) as early as practicable prior to commencing operations to support maritime domain awareness, safe waterway management, and navigation safety.
- Contact the nearest USCG Command Center to provide notification.
- Review the USCG Work Instruction 5P-WI-002(1): Oversight of Unmanned, Autonomous and Remote-Control Operations and be prepared to provide the information listed therein to the cognizant COTP.
Closing. These findings of concern are provided for informational purposes only and do not relieve any domestic or international safety, operational, or materiel requirements. For any questions or comments, please contact Marine Safety Unit Lewes by phone at (302) 644-1909 or by email at msulewes@uscg.mil.