Exploring the future of MASS at the Third JAMS London International Seminar

Roly McKie presented on Search and Rescue Considerations and Challenges for Autonomous and Remotely Operated Vessels at the Third, JAMS London, International Seminar on 6-7 March. The full presentations can be viewed here if you would like to learn more. He raised concerns about the effectiveness of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) in SAR operations and the necessity for these vessels to be able to rescue people from the water, rather than merely providing other forms of 'assistance.' This would require the installation of appropriate rescue and recovery equipment and some basic facilities on board to provide for survivors immediate, post-rescue needs. 

Captain Jun Kawai, Japan Coast Guard’s London representative, delivered the opening remarks, followed by Kawakami Kyoichiro, who discussed the economic impact of MASS and highlighted the MEGURI 2040 project. This initiative is testing autonomous and remotely operated passenger ferries and cargo ships (with some crew on board) in and around Japan. 

The seminar placed strong emphasis on navigation safety, maritime law enforcement issues, and the Goal-Based MASS Code. 

The MEGURI 2040 project aims to address demographic challenges and reduce human error in ship accidents. Involving 53 companies, it plans to launch a fully autonomous ship by 2025. The project includes vessels such as Olympia Dream Seto, Hokuren Maru No.2, and Mikage, supported by a fleet operations centre in Kobe. 

Hamada Hiroyuki from IMO discussed proactive regulatory measures for MASS, including scoping exercises. The goal is to finalise a non-mandatory MASS code by spring 2026, followed by an Experience Building Phase from December 2026 to 2028. 

Jihyeon Gina Kim from International Transport Federation (ITF) highlighted the critical role of human presence on ships for security, firefighting, and maintenance. 

Panel 1 focused on navigation safety, IALA's role in MASS development, and future requirements for Aids to Navigation (ATONs). 

Captain Nakamura Jun from MTI (NYK Group) discussed engine sizes and the continued need for human intervention on autonomous ships. 

Nicolas Charalambous from EMSA covered risk-based assessment tools and the evolution of risk assessment techniques for MASS. 

Andre Burgess from the UK National Physical Laboratory stressed the importance of human-centric approaches to MASS, the development of the UKs Maritime Autonomous Assurance Testbed, and the need for technical assurance of MASS control and management systems. 

Conference discussions included technical failures, liability issues, and integrating traditional and modern electronic aids. 

Hernan de Frade de Blas (Spain) addressed legal challenges for MASS operations and the ongoing IMO discussions on developing the MASS Code, in particular the SAR section. 

Kimberley Tam from the University of Plymouth spoke on cybersecurity risks, the importance of training ship crews to detect cyber threats, and strategies to protect remotely operated MASS during cyberattacks. 

Dr. Tae-Eun Kim from the University of Tromsø discussed AI autonomy and human-machine collaboration, including Collision Regulations trials modelled by the university, which revealed unexpected insights. 

Admiral Awai Tsuguo (Japan CG) explored the potential use of MASS for Coast Guard functions, such as SAR, security, counter-pollution, regulatory enforcement, and ship inspections. 

Commander Mahubur Rahman from the Bangladesh Navy addressed the possible proliferation of unmanned vessels and the need to ensure resilient communications, data connections, and the adaptation of maritime procedures that currently rely on human presence aboard ships.