Vessel navigation and docking system and method

1. A system configured to control and dock automatically a vessel, the system comprising:

one or more distance detectors;

at least one extendable arm, the arm including attachment means located at a far end thereof; and

a control system including a store for storing at least one of a chart and a harbor/dock/mooring plan, in use, the control system configured to position the vessel, utilizing the vessel's movement and steerage means, and measured distances to other objects, adjacent the indicated berthing location, and activating the arm and attachment means to link a vessel with a dockside or another vessel at the indicated berthing location.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein activation is triggered when a pre-set distance to another vessel, the dockside and/or docking means is measured by the one or more distance detectors.

3. A system as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the at least one extendable arm is located adjacent the perimeter of a vessel and wherein a distance detector is located adjacent thereto, in order to detect objects in the vicinity of the vessel.

4. A system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the at least one extendable arm is located adjacent the perimeter of a vessel and wherein a distance detector is located adjacent thereto, in order to detect objects in the vicinity of the vessel.

5. A system as claimed in claim 4 , wherein the extendable arms are controlled by hydraulic means.

6. A system as claimed in claim 5 , wherein the at least one extendable arm is stored, when withdrawn, in a hold, covered by a hatch, within the vessel.

7. A system as claimed in claim 4 , wherein the at least one extendable arm is stored, when withdrawn, in a hold, covered by a hatch, within the vessel.

8. A system as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising anchor means and anchor activation means.

9. A system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein distance detectors are located around the sides of the vessel.

10. A system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the at least one extendable arm is stored, when withdrawn, in a hold, covered by a hatch, within the vessel.

11. A system as claimed in claim 10 , wherein the hatch and/or arm further include means for causing closure of the hatch upon withdrawal, from an extended position of the arm.

12. A method of automatically docking a vessel, comprising the steps of:

providing from a store a plan of a harbor/dock/mooring of interest;

receiving an indication of a location within the plan for berthing;

positioning the vessel, utilizing the vessel's movement and steerage means, and measured distances to other objects, adjacent a desired berth; and

extending at least one extendable arm including attachment means and causing linkage thereof with means provided on a dockside or other vessel.

13. A method as claimed in claim 12 , further comprising the step of measuring wind speed, tide and/or current.

14. A method as claimed in claim 13 , further comprising dropping anchor(s).

15. A method as claimed in claim 12 , further comprising dropping anchor(s).

16. A method as claimed in claim 12 , further comprising the step of reverting to a standby mode, wherein instructions from an operator or user are awaited.

17. A method as claimed in claim 12 , wherein docking is carried out in accordance with the length, draught and/or displacement of a vessel.

18. A system configured to control and dock automatically a vessel, the system comprising:

one or more distance detectors;

at least one extendable arm, the arm including attachment means and an electricity supply receiving means for receiving an electricity supply located at a far end thereof; and

a control system configured to activate the arm and attachment means to link a vessel with a dockside or another vessel.