?? Advancing autonomous maritime operations: Call for withdrawal of regulations prohibiting solo night watchkeeping trials ??

Various flag states and shipowners are urging the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to revoke current regulations that prevent trials where a ship’s Officer of the Watch (OOW) acts as the sole watchkeeper at night. Countries like the Netherlands and Germany, alongside the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), are advocating for the withdrawal of key circulars (MSC/Circ.566, MSC/Circ.733, and MSC/Circ.867) to ensure that the Maritime Autonomous Surface Ship (MASS) regulatory framework keeps pace with rapidly advancing technology.

?? What is MASS?

Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) are vessels capable of operating with varying levels of independence from human interaction. These cutting-edge technologies have the potential to revolutionize maritime transportation by enhancing safety, efficiency, and pollution prevention.

? Historical Background:

Before MSC/Circ.733 was introduced in 1996, ship operators could carry out trials with one OOW under MSC/Circ.566 from 1991. Trials conducted onboard 30 ships demonstrated that a sole watchkeeper could provide the same level of safety and pollution prevention as traditional nighttime watch arrangements. However, further trials were discontinued due to concerns over navigational and environmental safety.

With today's advancements in AI-based situational awareness technology, many of these concerns have been disproven. According to the MSC 107/5/5 document submitted in March 2023, new detection technologies could even surpass human capabilities.

?? Supporting Technological Advancement:

The Netherlands, Germany, and the ICS argue that new technologies may serve as alternative methods for fulfilling duties under the STCW Convention, offering equal or better safety and pollution prevention than traditional watchkeeping practices.

Niels van de Minkelis, Nautical and Technical Affairs Director at the Royal Association of Netherlands Shipowners, stated that new technologies could reduce human error risks, offer enhanced detection, and improve seafarer well-being by freeing up crew members for daytime duties, thus reducing stress.

Liberia also supported the idea of one-man bridge operation during nighttime in a separate submission.

??? Looking Ahead:

The IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee has tasked the HTW Sub-Committee to prioritize these discussions in its February 2025 meeting. All stakeholders agree that maintaining the prohibition on solo watchkeeping trials could hinder the development of MASS and slow down the adoption of autonomous maritime technologies.

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