ABSTRACT
This chapter attempts to summarize many of the topics and comments on instruments relevant to the operation of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) and identifies instruments that appear to have little or no application to MASS operations. The establishment of a legal framework for the remote operator would be a significant gap between the Convention and MASS operation and the regulations may need to be reconsidered if remote control operators were recognized as seafarers covered by the Convention. General comments were made recommending amendment or regulation in a separate instrument MASS control and operation including presentation of indications and alarms can be located not on board the ship, and several tasks normally managed manually by the master/crew can be fully automated. Existing instructions pertaining to onboard training and drills may prevent MASS operations and may need to be redrafted entirely or amended to designate responsible parties for fire drills other than seafarers when carrying passengers or other personnel.
