Can a ship be its own captain? Safe manning of autonomous and uncrewed vessels

New maritime technologies-autonomous and uncrewed vessels-are already poised to revolutionize the shipping industry. However, they are virtually unregulated under the current maritime laws, which raises significant safety and social impact issues. Can their incorporation into the maritime legal order occur through a policy decision by the international community or are substantial amendments to existing laws or adoption of new international legal instruments necessary? While the possibility of expanding the notions of a master, seafarer, vessel and safe manning requirements under the existing international framework is analyzed, it is concluded that the adoption of a new, specialized autonomous and uncrewed vessels convention or a specialized code designed for those vessels seems a much easier and faster solution.

Automated summary

New maritime technologies, such as autonomous and uncrewed vessels, are set to revolutionize the shipping industry. However, the lack of regulation under current maritime laws raises concerns about safety and social impact. It is debated whether the international community can incorporate these technologies through policy decisions or if substantial amendments or new legal instruments are needed. It is concluded that adopting a specialized convention or code for autonomous and uncrewed vessels would be a faster and easier solution.