Unmanned ships and their international regulations

The purpose of this IIL marine & energy lecture by Robert Veal was firstly, to understand how unmanned ships will integrate into the existing international regulatory framework for shipping; and secondly, to the extent that unmanned ships fall within the framework, consider the extent to which they can comply with its implications.

Robert noted that unmanned craft are now more commonplace than ever in our seas and the prospect of full-sized unmanned ships is now a realistic prospect. He explained that the existing IMO regulatory framework applies largely to “ships” and thus consideration must be given as to whether unmanned craft are, indeed, “ships” as defined internationally.

Furthermore, if unmanned ships fall within the framework we must consider the basic state obligations in respect of flag ships, especially as regards to safety of life at sea, collision avoidance and crewing requirements.

Robert also briefly covered whether the manning requirements in SOLAS serve to render unmanned operations illegal and whether unmanned ships can comply with the COLREGS, especially look out requirements. Finally he discussed the training requirements for a new generation of shore-side ship controllers.

By the end of this lecture members would have gained an insight into:

• Whether unmanned ships constitute 'ships' so as to fall within the current regulatory framework
• The extent to which unmanned ships can comply with the requirements of the existing framework
• What changes need to be made to the existing legal framework to integrate unmanned ships and how this can be best achieved

Speakers Bio:
Robert specialises in international law and Admiralty and lectures in these subjects at Southampton Law School. His particular field of expertise is autonomous vessels and he has written extensively on the topic in both an academic and consultative capacity.

Chair:
Andrew Bardot, Executive Officer, International Group of P & I Clubs.

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