The First Step in Regulating Autonomous Ships An Assessment on the Interim Guidelines for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships Trials and its Legal Significance in the International Regulatory Landscape

Abstract

Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS), either remotely controlled or autonomous, offer new capabilities for, amongst other things, shipping operations. The integration of MASS within the existing international regulatory system, adopted on the understanding that ships are manned, poses several legal challenges.

This thesis assesses whether the Interim Guidelines for MASS Trials, adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), change the existing legal field in any way when it comes to States rights in conducting trials outside their territorial waters.

The Guidelines are discussed in light of the LOSC and selected IMO instruments, hereunder the SOLAS, COLREGs, and STCW.