On 10 November 2026, Olena Pashenko, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Electronic Navigation Systems, defended her thesis at a meeting of the Specialized Academic Council D 41.106.01 of the National University “Odesa Maritime Academy”. The thesis, entitled “Improving the Accuracy of Identification and Monitoring of Surface Objects”, was submitted for the degree of Candidate of Technical Sciences in specialty 05.22.13 “Navigation and Traffic Control”.
The research addresses one of the most pressing issues in modern navigation: reliable assessment of the surface situation around a vessel. The author proposed supplementing radar and AIS with an independent source of information, an onboard video system based on a computer vision model that automatically detects vessels and determines their aspect and bearing. This approach is especially valuable when AIS data may be corrupted or spoofed. The research results have already been applied in practice by shipping companies and incorporated into the university’s educational process.
The scientific supervisor was Oleksandr Pipchenko, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor, Professor of the Department of Maritime Navigation Safety at the Institute of Postgraduate Education “Seafarers’ Training and Certification Centre” of NUOMA. The official opponents were Andrii Ben, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs of Kherson State Maritime Academy, and Pavlo Nosov, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor, Head of the Professor R. V. Merkt Department of Technical Cybernetics and Information Technologies at Odesa National Maritime University.
The defense took the form of a constructive scientific discussion. Council members and opponents noted the relevance of the topic, its scientific novelty, and the practical value of the results. Following the defense, the Specialized Academic Council decided to award Olena Pashenko the degree of Candidate of Technical Sciences.
The staff of the National University “Odesa Maritime Academy” warmly congratulate Olena Pashenko on her successful defense and wish her further scientific achievements and professional success!
