The IMRF will submit a paper to the IMO Maritime Safety Committee, in December, on the need to ensure that autonomous and remotely operated ships can effectively take part in SAR operations and can recover survivors into these vessels.

During a recent meeting of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) Intersessional Working Group, it was stated in the final report that further discussion should be had on the issue of whether these types of vessels should only be required to provide limited assistance in maritime emergencies.

The IMRF, a key participant in the working group, maintains the view that MASS must be able to rescue persons in distress at sea. The organisation believes that these ships will play a crucial role in providing and, possibly, enhancing global SAR capabilities. The IMRF contends that with the rise of MASS, which can operate with minimal or no crew on board, SAR operations internationally will be significantly affected. The IMRF says that despite technical challenges, MASS should be expected to meet the same obligations as conventionally crewed vessels.

One of the central points raised by the IMRF is that the global SAR system relies heavily on IMO member states’ ships to assist in rescue efforts, particularly in deep ocean and remote areas with few dedicated rescue vessels or aircraft. In many situations, ships from IMO member states are the closest available resources for rescue operations, even in coastal waters, and SAR protocols are that the nearest vessel should be requested to assist in any distress or urgency situation. The IMRF emphasises that MASS vessels, despite having no or limited crew, should still be required to respond to people in distress, adhering to international conventions like SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) regulation 33, which requires that vessels provide assistance, and UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) article 98, which mandates that vessel should go to the rescue of persons in danger.

The IMRF believes that autonomous and remotely operated ships can significantly advance SAR operations if equipped with effective and dependable emergency response capabilities.

The recent discussions at the IMO have begun a debate as to whether autonomous ships should be required to recover (rescue) people in distress. The IMRF maintains that MASS vessels must comply with existing international regulations, which will mean they must have the necessary operational capabilities and equipment to perform rescues.

The IMRF is calling on its members to provide feedback on these issues, as detailed in a briefing paper that was made available exclusively to members back in May. Since then, the IMRF has updated this paper which will shortly be circulated to members. The IMRF is also holding a MASS Workshop as part of its Annual Meeting in November. For further details and to register, go to Annual meeting 2024 - 100 years of excellence in SAR! | International Maritime Rescue Federation (international-maritime-rescue.org).  As the maritime industry continues to evolve with technological advancements, the organisation remains committed to ensuring that the shift towards automation and remote operation of ships does not compromise global lifesaving capabilities.

The IMRF will continue to engage with the IMO and other stakeholders to advocate for the necessary updates to SAR protocols, ensuring that MASS vessels are fully integrated into global rescue operations. The organisation’s position is clear: autonomous technology must maintain the vital capability of saving lives at sea.