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MASS Time-to-Collision

Time-to-collision between own ship and target based on relative-position vector. Used inside autonomous collision-avoidance algorithms.

MASSAutonomous
TTC
6.67min
Band
Action required - rule-compliant manoeuvre

Formula, assumptions, and limits

$$TTC = \frac{\text{Range}}{\text{Closing rate}}$$

Simplified linear extrapolation - assumes constant bearings and speeds. COLREGS Rule 8 (action to avoid collision) must begin 'early and substantial' - typically at TTC > 12 min for open water, shorter for restricted waters.

Symbol legend

SymbolMeaningUnitSource
$Range$Current rangenmradar
$Closing rate$Rate of approachknARPA
$TTC$Time to collisionminresult

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