ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the challenges posed by the absence of an onboard crew on a cargo vessel. It discusses the third scenario in the International Maritime Organisation scale where there is no onboard crew but navigation is effected by a mixture of complete autonomy through voyage programming and human intervention through shore-based controllers (SBC) monitoring the vessel’s progress throughout the voyage. The chapter explores the question from the contractual perspective, with reference to the master’s role under time and voyage charters. A variety of documentary obligations fall on the master under various international conventions. The SBC may undertake many of the functions of the master, but their employment will be entirely shore bound. A pilot is a navigational advisor but the vessel remains under the command of the master and the shipowner is vicariously liable for any negligence on the part of the pilot, whether the pilotage be compulsory or not.
