Sea Machines Robotics assists in autonomous vessel training programme

Sea Machines Robotics has partnered with Maine Maritime Academy (MMA) and representatives of the US Maritime Administration’s (MARAD) Maritime Environmental and Technical Assistance (META) to incorporate training in the use autonomous vessels into MMA’s existing curriculum.

MMA will provide instruction to cadets using its training workboat Quickwater, which is being outfitted with a Sea Machines autonomous control system, and a shoreside command station located at its campus in Castine.

MMA students will command and control the autonomous vessel in the Castine Harbor and surrounding areas from the shoreside station. While learning about autonomous systems, project managers and MMA students will measure the vessel’s emissions output to determine the precise efficiencies gained, documenting differences among various engines, equipment, and sea states.

During these hands-on trials, participants will collect additional data about the vessel’s situational awareness and operational performance, predictability, and safety during missions.