17 October 2024

On the 9th October, the British Marine technical team attended the MCA autonomous vessels industry meeting on behalf of its members.

Discussions were focused on Maritime autonomous surface ships. Currently the MCA is working with the IMO to develop and draft regulations that should be adopted in 2028 and enter into force in 2032. 

The focus of the meeting was to ensure that the MCA continues to support UK industry and develop regulations needed to allow development.

At this point, remotely operated unmanned vessels can be certified in some circumstances using Edition 3 of the workboat code or under MGN 702 for mini-MASS, but we were informed that there should be a route to certifying ROUVs between 2.5m and 4.5m by Dec 2024.

It was also emphasised that MGN 664 (M+F) Amendment 1 could be used to certify vessels using innovative technology where current regulations didn’t quite align.

The main concerns passed by both British Marine and others was in the lack of ability to test autonomous vessels ‘at sea’ without prior certification and also the lack of clarity over operation centres being based in countries different from the country of registry of the vessel.

It was stated firmly by the MCA that all vessels including mini-MASS have to comply with Colregs, including surface ‘sailing’ research vessels. There was also much discussion regarding future compliance with SOLAS regulations.

Finally there were presentations by outside bodies, including the UK Hydrographic Office who is keen to engage with BM members in this field; it is currently trying to establish the requirements for AI and autonomous vessels in the areas of charts and sailing directions that are currently written for human use.

Further details of the meeting and advice can be obtained by emailing technical@britishmarine.co.uk