Risks and Benefits of Crew Reduction and/or Removal with Increased Automation on the Ship Operator: A Licensed Deck Officer’s Perspective

Elspeth Hannaford,Edwin Van Hassel

doi:10.3390/app11083569

Abstract

As autonomous technologies proliferate in the shipping industry, limited research has been conducted on its potential implications on the Licensed Deck Officer. This research examines the potential benefits and risks of increased onboard automation with the reduction and/or removal of onboard crew on the Licensed Deck Officer. Qualitative methods of literature review, survey, and individual semi-structured interviews were used. The rating scale method and Likert Bar Graph scaling approach convey survey results. A Theoretical Thematic Analysis was used to analyze interview data. Reliability, validity, and objectivity of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) interviewed are part of the research strategy. It was found that many barriers exist to the implementation of autonomous vessels, mostly revolving around crew and vessel safety. Reducing crews and increasing shipboard automation have potentially negative effects on the Licensed Deck Officer, including sensor over-reliance, decreased situational awareness, and increased complacency, while providing no reduction in onboard duties or fatigue. Changes in navigational, manning, and liability regulation must be addressed by maritime authorities first. The shipping industry’s mindset is slow to change, but with this inevitable technology, the mariner will adapt. Insights generated from this research will benefit involved stakeholders to better understand and prepare for changes in the maritime industry due to the onset of autonomous shipping.

Highlights

Autonomous vessels are expected to be the major step in the shipping industry [1].Modern ships are being built larger with more advanced operating systems, and manned by a smaller, more specialized crew; unmanned vessels will be introduced globally in only a matter of time [2]
And semi-autonomous ships can potentially reduce human-error-caused navigational accidents [2] but theBut the concept of removing onboard crew can be seen as transferring human error from personnel physically onboard a vessel to personnel controlling the vessel from a Remote Control Center (RCC)
This paper firstly explores why the maritime industry is leaning towards automation

Summary

Introduction

Autonomous vessels are expected to be the major step in the shipping industry [1].Modern ships are being built larger with more advanced operating systems, and manned by a smaller, more specialized crew; unmanned vessels will be introduced globally in only a matter of time [2]. And semi-autonomous ships can potentially reduce human-error-caused navigational accidents [2] but theBut the concept of removing onboard crew can be seen as transferring human error from personnel physically onboard a vessel to personnel controlling the vessel from a Remote Control Center (RCC). The smaller the gap between these two entities, the more beneficial the safety of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) will be. This can be said for regulation as well. The RSE has been undertaken to identify the gaps and assumptions of existing IMO codes with the conceptual implementation of autonomous shipping These levels currently have no legal implications or mandatory requirements for use.

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