For the last two years a large collaborative project has been taking place at the University of Nottingham to investigate novel strategies for the implementation of GNSS within all phases of marine navigation in UK waters. The project, which was recently completed, was funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. The project also received financial support from a prestigious team of collaborators that included the UK Ministry of Defence Hydrographic Office, Trinity House Lighthouse Service, Northern Lighthouse Board, Commissioners for Irish Lights and the Port of London Authority. The first phase of this project was reported in the Journal in May 1999 (Ashkenazi et al., 1999); this paper presents an update of the progress of the project over the last year.

The advanced ship's operational control system (ASOCS), as described in this paper, has been developed as an important part of a one man bridge system (OMBS). Systems of this kind are expected to become an essential feature as ship navigational systems develop in the future. This paper systematically analyses the structure and composition of ASOCS and proposes a type of computer network for the system. The functions of ASOCS are analysed with OMBS research particularly in mind.

The rates of collision and stranding at sea are very high. The primary causes of stranding are: not checking a ship's position, inadequate route planning, operational misjudgement and inefficient watchkeeping. These causes are responsible for 90 percent of strandings according to accident statistics. Reduction in stranding risk would be of considerable economic benefit and would also reduce pollution and be welcomed by shipping companies and, of course, by crews.