ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the legal standing of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) in relation to international conventions which govern the use of commercial vessels and discusses their potential contractual and non-contractual realities. MASS routinely operate with little or no human involvement and have some or all of the following characteristics. The level of autonomy of a MASS depends on its function. Existing MASS display a number of varying degrees of autonomy and can be subdivided into different classes. MASS falling into the category of periodically unmanned ship would be able to operate without a crew on board for extended periods of time. For MASS to operate effectively they will require collision avoidance systems that are compliant with the collision regulations. The conventions may become applicable in the future when the construction of larger MASS is financed by providing security over the MASS through a mortgage.
