Search Results (7)

The advent of remote control and autonomous technologies is fundamentally transforming ship manning models, necessitating adaptations in seafarer standards for L2-class autonomous vessels. To address these challenges, the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) is developing a non-mandatory Code for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS). This paper first conducts an in-depth analysis of the immutable legal obligations and variable technical standards governing seafarer manning for L2 autonomous ships, drawing on the China Classification Society’s (CCS) Rules for Intelligent Ships. It then scrutinizes the international legal barriers confronting CCS manning requirements, particularly concerning remote operator qualifications. The study focuses on aligning China’s regulatory framework with emerging IMO standards and proposes four targeted reforms to facilitate this alignment for L2 vessels: broadening the “seafarer” definition, updating minimum manning principles and procedures, modernizing competency standards, and establishing inclusive operational testing systems. Full article

As intelligent vessel technology moves from the proof-of-concept stage to engineering applications, the performance testing and evaluation of autonomous collision avoidance algorithms have become core issues for safeguarding maritime traffic safety. The International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), at its 109th session, agreed to a revised road map for the development of the Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) Code; the field has experienced the development stages of single-vessel collision avoidance validation based on COLREGs, multimodal algorithm collaborative testing, and the current construction of a progressive validation system for the integration of a mix of virtual reality and actual reality. In recent years, relevant studies have achieved research achievements, especially in the compatibility of COLREGs and in accurate collision avoidance in complex situations, and other algorithm tests and evaluations have made great breakthroughs. However, a systematic literature review is still lacking. In this paper, we systematically review the research progress of autonomous collision avoidance performance testing and the evaluation of intelligent vessels; summarize the advantages and disadvantages of virtual testing, model testing, and full-scale vessel testing; and analyze the applicability and limitations of mainstream algorithms such as the velocity obstacle algorithm, the artificial potential field algorithm, and reinforcement learning. It focuses on the key technologies such as diverse scene generation, local scene slicing, and the construction of an evaluation index system. Finally, this paper summarizes the challenges faced by autonomous collision avoidance performance testing and the assessment of intelligent vessels and proposes potential technical solutions and future development directions in terms of virtual–real fusion testing, dynamic evaluation index optimization, and multimodal algorithm co-validation, aiming to provide a reference for the further development of this field. Full article

The introduction of MASSs, facilitated by the advancement of autonomous navigation technologies, is anticipated to lead to the emergence of new technologies, novel vessel types, and innovative job positions like remote operators at remote operation centers. The MASS Code is currently being discussed by the Maritime Safety Committee of the International Maritime Organization. This Code is expected to be adopted in the form of non-mandatory guidelines until 2025, with the goal of establishing mandatory requirements by 2028. Additionally, revisions to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers related to crew training and qualifications are planned for adoption by 2027. These revisions will include requirements for MASS operators. This paper aims to examine the sustainable key competencies required for safe MASS operation by remote operators using the Analytic Hierarchy Process method, considering the emergence of the new profession of remote operator. Building upon the 66 knowledge, understanding, and proficiencies outlined for marine officers in the STCW Convention, the paper aims to identify the additional competencies required for remote operators and contribute to the development of a training model for the future. Full article

This article uses data generated by Port State Control (PSC) inspections of ships in national ports (Paris MoU) to assess their compliance with radio-communications safety regulations. By mainly applying binary logistic regression methods, the aim is to examine and understand the relationship between the severity of deficiencies in maritime communications and some characteristics of inspected ships. The raw data from the PSC detention database from 2005 to 2022 undergoes post-processing before being analyzed to explore patterns and coincidences with the rest of the potential risk areas. To do so, 23,725 PSC inspections were used. Several classification criteria have been proposed that can better gauge the risk related to distress communications at sea from the dataset. The results connect the probability of detention with the ship age at the inspection date, the flag of the registry, the type of ship, and the location of the port within the countries adhering to the Paris MoU. Another achievement is that the number of PSC inspections of maritime communications in a given period is a better indicator of the risk to safety than the total number of deficiencies detected in these inspections during the same period. This study also explores inspection deficiencies related to competency gaps identified in the Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS) operators, and precisely using the number of PSC inspections as a criterion of risk for safety is consistent with the recommendations of the Maritime Safety Committee Circular (2006), MSC.1/Circ.1208. Another finding from the time series is that a greater rate of decrease is identified for GMDSS equipment-related deficiencies compared to GMDSS training-related deficiencies. This alone poses a review of the refreshing courses and methods to maintain the General Operator Certificate (GOC) qualification to operate maritime radio communications facilities belonging to the (current and future) GMDSS. Full article

Technological innovation constantly transforms and redefines the human element’s position inside complex socio-technical systems. Autonomous operations are in various phases of development and practical deployment across several transport domains, with marine operations still in their infancy. This article discusses current trends in developing autonomous vessels and some of the most recent initiatives worldwide. It also investigates the individual and combined effects of maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS) on regulations, technology, and sectors in reaction to the new marine paradigm change. Other essential topics, such as safety, security, jobs, training, and legal and ethical difficulties, are also considered to develop a solution for efficient, dependable, safe, and sustainable shipping in the near future. Finally, it is advised that holistic approaches to building the technology and regulatory framework be used and that communication and cooperation among various stakeholders based on mutual understanding are essential for the MASS to arrive in the maritime industry successfully. Full article

The sinking of the Titanic has brought cruise ship safety onto the international agenda. However, different shipwrecks have been occurring in the cruise industry with relatively high frequency for more than one century due to human errors. In order to improve cruise ship safety, the International Maritime Organization and the Cruise Lines International Association introduced a set of safety enhancement policies and measurements. However, the expansion of ships and fairly weak safety regulations continue to pose risks of human life loss during cruise ship accidents, particularly in Asian regions. Asian countries have been constantly implementing various safety measures, but serious cruise ship accidents still occur from time to time, even after significant past experiences. Are the cruise ship accidents predominantly the result of human failures and organizational factors? This paper undertakes a detailed historical review of cruise ship accidents since 1972 through an intensive overview of the documents published by the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention and the Maritime Safety Committee. Furthermore, a set of case studies of representative cruise ship accidents are conducted as a part of this study. The outcomes of this study will help cruise shipping companies to better understand the factors influencing cruise ship accident occurrence and to construct appropriate safety policy measures, aiming to prevent cruise ship accidents in Asian regions. Full article

The International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), at its 101st session (5 to 14 June 2019), adopted Resolution MSC.467(101) on the guidance on the definition and harmonization of the format and structure of maritime services in the context of e-Navigation and agreed to consolidate the descriptions of maritime services and to consider them together with all involved international organizations and interested member states, in order to harmonize the provision and exchange of maritime information and data. In doing so, the MSC also approved the initial descriptions of maritime services in the context of e-Navigation (IMO MSC.1/Circ.1610), which had been prepared by the Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue, at its sixth session (16 to 25 January 2019). The information contained in this paper constitutes the descriptions of two selected examples of maritime services, an initial contribution for the harmonization of the formats and structures of pilotage and tug services. The initial description of each of maritime services is expected to be next periodically updated, taking into account developments and related work on international harmonization. Full article