ABSTRACT
Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) creates new requirements for high bandwidth communication in the vicinity of the vessel. The role of MASS in routine and emergency situations is discussed as well as the systems and the nature of the data they create, the channels through which data are communicated and the means by which this is accomplished to fulfill their goals and functionality needed in the roles and missions they perform. MASS pose a unique challenge regarding safety of life at sea different than previous ship innovations in that these vessels are essentially unmanned. The International Maritime Organization e-Navigation initiative provides for the harmonized collection, integration, exchange, presentation and analysis of marine information on board and ashore by electronic means to enhance berth-to-berth navigation and related services for safety and security at sea and protection of the marine environment.
