To ensure optimisation of design CARES not only utilise the traditional channel design codes, PIANC or IALA, but also employ two alternative methods:

The first involves using ship simulation techniques to represent the channel and the design ships in a range of environmental conditions (this can often lead to a recommendation of reduction in criteria resulting from the conservative codes).

The second approach involves the use of probability theory to combine the various uncertain factors in a rational manner such that the risks involved in transiting the channel (i.e. of vessel grounding) are suitably small.