MASS management and certification 24.03.2025 01:55Please find enclosed the proposals for an oversight mechanism for MASS and associated ROC(s) called Remote Operation Management (ROM).
The ever-increasing use of automation in the operation of ships, along with the anticipated increase in the use of remote control and autonomous operation of key functions, will require a different approach. In facing these challenges it is recognized that some aspects associated with MASS are not adequately or fully addressed in SOLAS or other IMO instruments and that additional guidance is required on the design and operation of MASS to ensure a level of safety that is expected of a conventionally operated ship.
Maritime Autonomous Surface Ship (MASS) means a ship which, to a varying degree, can operate independent of human interaction.
Remote Operator means a qualified person who is employed or engaged to operate some or all aspects of the functions of a MASS from a Remote Operations Centre.
Remote Operations Centre (ROC) means a location remote from the MASS that can operate some or all aspects of the functions of the MASS.
The degrees of autonomy identified for the purpose of the scoping exercise were:
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Degree one: Ship with automated processes and decision support. Seafarers are on board to operate and control shipboard systems and functions. Some operations may be automated and at times be unsupervised but with seafarers on board ready to take control.
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Degree two: Remotely controlled ship with seafarers on board. The ship is controlled and operated from another location. Seafarers are available on board to take control and to operate the shipboard systems and functions.
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Degree three: Remotely controlled ship without seafarers on board: The ship is controlled and operated from another location. There are no seafarers on board.
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Degree four: Fully autonomous ship: The operating system of the ship is able to make decisions and determine actions by itself.
Every ship to which this Code applies should have a valid MASS Certificate, issued after an initial or renewal survey.
Every Remote Operation Centre (ROC) to which this Code applies should have a valid MASS ROC Certificate, issued after an initial or renewal survey.
Every Administration notified by a company of the intent to operate a MASS should make available, as it deems practical and necessary either individually or in co-operation with other Contracting Governments, its requirements, procedures and guidelines for the inclusion of the Remote Operation Centre (ROC) in the verification and certification process of the Document of Compliance (DoC) and Safety Management Certificate (SMC).
The operation of the ROC should, to the satisfaction of the Administration, be included in the ISM verification and certification process relevant to a DoC for a company and should be carried out by, or on behalf of, the Administration in accordance with SOLAS Chapter IX.
Safe operation of MASS remained with the ISM Company but that the ROM concept should be retained as a complementary alternative ISM Code scheme of certification for the safe operation management of the ROC.
Any operational procedures specified for the MASS and/or ROC by this Code, including watchkeeping arrangements, should be included in the ISM system of the MASS and /or ROC respectively.
Proposing an oversight mechanism for MASS and associated ROC(s), by introducing the concept of Remote Operation Management (ROM), with associated certification provisions for MASS and ROC.
MASS Working Group had considered a proposal for the establishment of an oversight mechanism for MASS and associated ROC(s) by establishing Remote Operation Management (ROM), as a safety regime complementary to the ISM Code that would, by design, provide for harmonization and avoid different safety regimes being implemented in the same ROC for the multiple (ISM) companies, the ships of which it may operate.
With regard to the future for the Remote Operation Management (ROM) within the MASS Code, the Committee further noted that the MASS Working Group had agreed that responsibility for the safe operation of MASS remained with the ISM Company but that the ROM concept should be retained as a complementary alternative ISM Code scheme of certification for the safe operation management of the ROC.
To this scope, the MASS Code will address the functions needed for safe, secure, and environmentally sound operations of MASS insofar as they are not adequately or fully addressed in other applied IMO instruments, while ensuring that required safety levels are maintained when implementing remote controlled or autonomous operation of key functions.
Structure of the Draft MASS Code is presented below:
