Legal Status of Remote Operator in Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) Under International Law: Who Can be a Ship Master?

Abstract

This study discusses the legal status of a remote operator of MASS, and the possibility of granting them status as a ship employee or master under international law. This research argues that the status of seafarer or deemed seafarer should be required for R-level MASS, and the status of master or deemed master with the right to command in matters relating to ship operation be conferred for RU- and A-level MASS. The study presents an expanded notion of seafarers by extending the combination of ship and human elements—concerning seafarers in existing international maritime conventions—to deem remote operators of MASS ship employees. Finally, this study suggests that remote operators be regarded as a human element by perpetuating the notion of the master, retaining their status as the final entity of responsibility for the ship, even if the cutting-edge ICT-based commercialisation of MASS is realised.