# Fuzzy Logic in Selection of Maritime Search and Rescue Units
## 5 Discussion and Conclusions
In case of a lack of certain data, the parameter matrix may be supplemented with a new criterion, for which the data will be obtained by fuzzy deduction. The outcome of the latter can also serve as a final result for the selection of ships. 6. Results. The results will be presented in the form of a ranking of ships ordered from those which to the greatest degree possess the desired characteristics and parameters. 7. Selection of ships. The coordinator shall decide which vessels are most suited to his/her preferences. In other words: which ones best meet the expectations for a given action profile. The method discussed above easily eliminates vessels which do not sufficiently meet the SAR coordinator's requirements and selects a group of the most suitable (optimal) vessels. Thus, effectiveness of the SAR operation can be improved and the risk involved minimised. Application of fuzzy logic and the MCDA in decision-making support systems reduces is a modern digital aid to the coordinator and can increase the chance of saving lives. Quick planning of successful SAR operations is the ultimate goal of the SAR coordinator. The mathematical models and decision-making support systems which have been applied in maritime rescue so far mostly relate only to certain aspects of the SAR operation planning (e.g., calculation of the object's drift caused by current and wind). Less focus has been given to the selection of vessels suitable for certain profiles of the SAR operation. Situations where civilian ships are involved are not very common. However, when an accident occurs far from shore or the scale of the accident exceeds the capacity of the SAR system, civilian ships are indispensable. The selection of vessels for an SAR operation must take into consideration a variety of criteria expressed as a coherent set of preferences. Depending on the profile of the SAR operation, the SAR coordinator's preferences and requirements differ. When searching  
Figure 7: Decision support system blocks for selection of maritime search and rescue units. for and rescuing a single person in the water, parameters such as vessel's speed, detection abilities, range of operation, recovery and medical equipment must be considered. Evaluation of vessels on the basis of one criterion is usually insufficient. Application of a multi-criteria analysis enables us to obtain numerical results and sort vessels by key preferences. By employing fuzzy logic, we can overcome the challenge posed by unreliable and incomplete data. Support for the planning and coordination of both search and rescue operations is advised by international organisations, such as the IMO. The development of decision-making support systems has become a trend in many industries. Modern maritime search and rescue needs innovative solutions. Fuzzy logic can be applied in the evaluation of vessel's suitability for an SAR operation and support of the selection of vessels at the stage of planning an SAR operation. Further development of decision support systems in maritime rescue can be based on both MCDA and fuzzy logic. This will require deeper analysis of criteria, action profiles, event scenarios, fuzzy reasoning and testing with different methods. It is proposed to deepen research into the selection of vessels and methods for assessing their suitability for search and rescue operations. Fuzzy logic has great potential for application. Studies have shown the importance of this method in improving the effectiveness of SAR operations. Thus, the ability to respond in an emergency will be increased. More people can be saved, the consequences of accidents can be reduced. Selecting the right vessel for the task will also help to reduce the risk of being involved. Despite the introduction of modern technology and safety procedures, there are still a large number of accidents at sea. The rescue service, despite its advanced equipment, is not able to act on its own in all accidents. Engaging civilian ships is then essential. It is the coordinator's responsibility to choose the most suitable ship.