It is planned that about 100 attendees will benefit from the course. Participants will range from students seeking to specialize in autonomous systems to professionals aiming to enhance their expertise in cutting-edge technologies. The main focus will be on Batumi State Maritime Academy (BSMA) from last year students from Faculties of navigation and Marine Engineering, BSMA academic staff with relevant scientific interest and profile. Other attendees will be part of public Institutions involved in the navigation framework, Coast Guard Officers, Port Authority employers, Georgian Coastguard and Maritime Transport Agency of Georgia, some stakeholders from other Countries. All of them are individuals eager to explore topics like sensor fusion, machine learning algorithms, path planning, and realtime decision-making processes used in autonomous vehicles and robots. They are motivated by a desire to understand and contribute to the development of self-driving cars, drones, and other autonomous technologies, seeking both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in this rapidly evolving field.

The BSMA students will be selected from the attendees of the last academic years and with their curricula focused on navigation science and technology.

The most important outcome for all participants will be acquaintance and knowledge of the development of modern technologies related to autonomous navigation, highlighting all the critical parts of this incoming revolutionary technology in the sea world. In particular, the attendees will gain numerous benefits that enhance both their theoretical understanding and practical skills:

1. Enhanced Knowledge of MASS Technologies and Operations:

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of MASS, including their technological foundation, operational capabilities, and levels of autonomy.
• Learn about cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and sensor fusion in autonomous navigation systems.

2. Familiarity with International Regulatory Frameworks:

• Understand the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) regulatory efforts, including the upcoming MASS Code and its implications for maritime safety, security, and environmental standards.

3. Practical and Technical Expertise:

• Explore enabling technologies such as Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), Automatic Identification Systems (AIS), and Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) to ensure safe and resilient navigation.
• Develop skills in integrating decision support systems (DSS) and sea-state monitoring for improved operational decision-making.

4. Threat Mitigation and Resilience Building:

• Learn to identify and mitigate threats such as cyberattacks, natural events, and other vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure and communication systems.
• Gain insights into enhancing the resilience of navigation and communication systems against disruptions like spoofing and jamming.

5. Opportunities for Innovation and Research:

• Understand the potential socio-economic impacts of integrating MASS into maritime ecosystems and explore opportunities for innovation in short-sea shipping and inland waterway operations.
• Engage in research-focused discussions that contribute to advancements in the field, supporting BSMA's emphasis on research development.

6. Interdisciplinary and International Collaboration:

• Build interdisciplinary skills to address challenges in MASS development and operations, promoting a holistic approach to maritime innovation.
• Foster collaboration through exposure to global case studies and international projects like AUTOSHIP and VesselAI.

7. Preparedness for Future Maritime Challenges:

• Equip BSMA students and staff, as well as Georgian Coast Guard and Maritime Transport Agency personnel, with the knowledge and skills needed to handle the transition to autonomous maritime operations.
• Prepare participants to contribute to the strategic development of autonomous vessel integration in Georgia’s maritime sector.

This course ensures that participants are well-versed in both the theoretical and practical aspects of MASS, positioning them as leaders in the future of autonomous maritime operations, which will be used in teaching process and shaping relevant courses in BSMA.

Finally, additional gain from the event would be ideas for future scientific and technical activities in the field of research and development of autonomous navigation.

Due to the crisis situation in Ukraine, the ATC will be offered in hybrid way, face to face and remotely. This solution will help the Ukraine attendees to assist at the lecturers remotely, thus increasing the impact of ATC activities.