Augmented Reality, (AR) also known as vision-overlay, can help the navigator to visually detect a dangerous target by the overlay of a synthetic image, thus providing a visual cue over the real world. This is the first paper of a series about the practicalities and consequences of implementing AR in marine navigation. A Cognitive Work Analysis is carried out to derive a scientific base for a functional interface that best supports navigators in their work.@en

Based on the Cognitive Work Analysis, described in a previous paper, an Ecological Interface is designed and built for the Augmented Reality application at Willem Barentsz. Incorporated, a.o., is the concept of Velocity Obstacles. This innovative way to visualize the problem space and solution space, provides the navigator with real time information about the possible combinations of course and speed that avoid intrusion into an other ship’s protected zone. Hence, it is anticipated that this will result in better Situation Awareness, leading to less close encounters, a.k.a. near misses, and fewer collisions.@en