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Ports and maritime operations generate massive real-time data streams, particularly from Automatic Identification System (AIS) signals, which are challenging to query effectively using natural language. This study proposes a prototype AISStream-MCP, a memory-augmented real-time maritime question-answering (QA) system that integrates live AIS data streaming with a Model Context Protocol (MCP) toolchain to support port operations decision-making. The system combines a large language model (LLM) with four MCP-enabled modules: persistent dialogue memory, live AIS data query, knowledge graph lookup, and result evaluation. We hypothesize that augmenting an LLM with domain-specific tools significantly improves QA performance compared to systems without memory or live data access. To test this hypothesis, we developed two prototype systems (with and without MCP framework) and evaluated them on 30 queries across three task categories: ETA prediction, anomaly detection, and multi-turn route queries. Experimental results demonstrate that AISStream-MCP achieves 88% answer accuracy (vs. 75% baseline), 85% multi-turn coherence (vs. 60%), and 38.7% faster response times (4.6 s vs. 7.5 s), with user satisfaction scores of 4.6/5 (vs. 3.5/5). The improvements are statistically significant (p < 0.01), confirming that memory augmentation and real-time tool integration effectively enhance maritime QA capabilities. Specifically, AISStream-MCP improved ETA prediction accuracy from 80% to 90%, anomaly detection from 70% to 85%, and multi-turn query accuracy from 65% to 88%. This approach shows significant potential for improving maritime situational awareness and operational efficiency.

In February 2006, the Maritime Session of the International Labour Conference adopted a consolidated maritime labour Convention. This instrument represents a major breakthrough in several respects. The author briefly runs through the origins of the Maritime Sessions of the ILC and then lays out the structure and content of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006. Its innovative features include the consolidation of the provisions of more than 60 earlier instruments, a new system of enforcement that provides an incentive for ratification, and simplified procedures for revision. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]

This chapter contains sections titled: Introduction Biomonitoring in Marine Monitoring Programmes Analytical Trends in Chemical Monitoring of Marine Biota Biota Monitoring Programme Analytical Methods Integration of Chemical and Biological Effects Monitoring Assessment References Further reading