Guidance of marine vessels

Abstract

A method for controlling the cruise of an autonomous vessel incorporates using a subsystem of a payload of the vessel functional in generating locational data relating to a target. A controller for controlling the cruise control subsystems determining the bearing and the velocity of said vessel.

1 . A system for controlling the cruise of a vessel comprising:
 a subsystem of a payload of said vessel functional in generating locational data relating to a target;   a controller for controlling the cruise control units determining bearing and velocity of said vessel.   
   
   
       2 . A payload for controlling the cruise of a vessel as in  claim 1  further comprising an interpreting system of said vessel for accepting signals of said payload of said vessel and for moderating them to be accepted by said controller. 
   
   
       3 . A system for controlling the cruise of a vessel as in  claim 1  wherein said vessel is an unmanned vessel. 
   
   
       4 . A system for controlling the cruise of a vessel as in  claim 1  wherein said cruise control units selected from a group consisting of a rudder and an engine, and any combination thereof. 
   
   
       5 . A system for controlling the cruise of a vessel as in  claim 1  wherein said cruise control units are selected from a group consisting of a jet steering subunit, an engine and an external steerable engine, or any combination thereof. 
   
   
       6 . A method for guiding a vessel comprising:
 using a subsystem of a payload of said vessel for obtaining locational data;   determining at least a course of said vessel in relation to said locational data.   
   
   
       7 . A method for guiding a vessel as in  claim 6  wherein said vessel is guided relative to a reference axis of a polar coordinate system, wherein said reference axis is a line of sight to a target. 
   
   
       8 . A method for guiding a vessel as in  claim 6  wherein said vessel is guided relative to a distance from a target. 
   
   
       9 . A method for guiding a vessel as in  claim 6  wherein said vessel is autonomous. 
   
   
       10 . A method for guiding a vessel as in  claim 6  wherein said vessel is fully remote controlled. 
   
   
       11 . A method for guiding an autonomous vessel with respect to a target vessel, wherein said autonomous vessel keeps a functionally dependent course related to the location of said target vessel with a constant inertial reference. 
   
   
       12 . A method as in  claim 11  for guiding an autonomous vessel with respect to a target vessel, wherein said autonomous vessel manoeuvres itself to keep said course, functionally dependent upon the location of said target.