It already exists: artificial intelligence (AI) for mooring. But what if the AI causes an accident? Who is to blame? Debeka, one of the largest insurance groups and building societies, has taken a closer look at this issue.
For many skippers, mooring maneuvers still pose a major challenge. Ports and marinas are sometimes very narrow, and berths are not easy to navigate. Add wind and/or currents to the mix, and some boaters are simply overwhelmed by the situation. Things get hectic, it can get quite loud on board—and unwanted drama in the harbor is often inevitable.
Well, you might think that there is now an AI application that relieves skippers of the tedious task of parking in adverse conditions: a new system developed by Navico, a subsidiary of Brunswick Corporation, in collaboration with Apex.AI software, is designed to remedy this situation: the company has developed an intelligent mooring assistant that, according to its own statements, will make harbor maneuvers “child’s play” in the future.
To enable automated docking, the yacht was first equipped with the appropriate technology
The innovative system was unveiled at last year’s Miami Boat Show, where it was installed on a Boston Whaler. To enable automated docking, the yacht was first equipped with camera technology, sensors, a Lidar and an electronically controlled propulsion system.
This enables the system to display the harbor area in a 3D view, which, according to the manufacturer, should make it easy to find a suitable berth and steer the boat into this box—without any human intervention and, above all, without any hassle or stress. According to the manufacturer, further autonomous driving functions are to follow shortly.
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Who is to blame if AI causes an accident? An insurer has taken a close look at this question
But what if AI causes an accident? Who is at fault? Debeka, one of the largest insurance groups and building societies, has taken a closer look at this issue. The problem is that AI does not (yet) “think for itself”; when parking and using parking aids, the responsibility therefore still lies with the driver.
Despite the assistance, the driver must remain alert and keep an eye on the surroundings. Sensors and cameras can have blind spots where people or objects are not detected. According to statistics, the number of parking and maneuvering accidents has increased despite the widespread use of parking aids (on the road). Almost half of the damage is caused by collisions when reversing out of parking spaces.
Conclusion: in the event of an accident caused by AI, the driver/recreational boat skipper is always liable!
If an accident occurs because the driver has relied too heavily on the parking aid/docking assistant, they are still liable for the damage caused – on the road as well as on the water. This also applies if the AI-controlled assistant fails or does not function correctly. Ultimately, the aid is only a convenience and does not replace the driver’s responsibility and control by the skipper.
If another vehicle or even a person is damaged when pulling out of a parking space – regardless of whether parking/mooring assistance is used or not – liability insurance will cover the costs of the damage.
Damage to your own boat is usually covered by comprehensive motor insurance. Important: the accident must be reported immediately and all necessary information must be documented so that the damage can be dealt with quickly and efficiently.
