This paper describes a series of data handling systems, termed MARIDAS, which would cater for various maritime problems and situations. Eleven specifications have been prepared, of which three, those for hydrographic work, harbour and pilotage, and merchant ships, are reproduced as Annexes here. A version of the paper has appeared in naval publications with restricted circulation.

In the past decade various navies have introduced electronic data processing to ease the strain on ship captains and their officers in order to increase their efficiency. The need is urgent as the quantity of information now available from the many sensors has grown so remarkably, and the speeds of aircraft and targets have increased to such an extent, that human reaction and ability is fully extended. However, the thought processes in all the operations which have to be performed have remained the same. These processes are largely related to the solution of trigonometrical or triangulation problems: Spherical, for astronomical or satellite navigation; Plane, using distances and angles for geographical or relative position problems and speeds and angles for relative velocity problems, avoidance of collision and intercept.