Various flag states and shipowners are calling on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to withdraw regulations that currently prevent trials where a ship’s Officer of the Watch (OOW) acts as the sole watchkeeper at night.
According to Groke Technologies, which backs the proposal, the Netherlands, Germany, and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) cal for the revocation of MSC/Circ.566, MSC/Circ.733 and MSC/Circ.867 that prohibit such trials so that the maritime autonomous surface ship (MASS) regulatory framework keeps pace with rapidly evolving technology.
Do you know what MASS stands for?
“Maritime Autonomous Surface Ship (MASS)” refers to a ship which, to a varying degree, can operate independent of human interaction. These autonomous ships represent a significant advancement in the field of maritime transportation and have the potential to revolutionise the shipping industry in several ways.
Prior to publication of MSC/Circ.733 in June 1996, ship operators were permitted to carry out trials in accordance with the requirements set out in MSC/Circ.566, adopted in 1991.
However, while the results of initial trials onboard thirty or so ships indicated that a sole watchkeeper provided “at least the same degree of safety and pollution prevention” as traditional nighttime watchkeeping arrangements, Administrations were called upon to discontinue the trials indefinitely.
Initial concerns that only one watchkeeper adversely affects navigational and environmental safety have been disproven with today’s advanced AI-based situational awareness technology.
… said Groke Technologies’ founder and CEO Juha Rokka.
In the MSC 107/5/5 document submitted in March 2023, it states “new means of detection technology have emerged which may possibly surpass human detection capabilities.”
The Netherlands, Germany, and the ICS further that new technologies may well serve as alternative methods of performing specific duties or satisfying the arrangements prescribed by the STCW Convention, which would provide at least the same degree of safety, security and pollution prevention as provided by STCW regulation I/13.
With current technology, the OOW could have far greater all-round visibility, day and night, that may not be picked up by the human eye. Further studies and trials are required.
… Rokka explains
All parties believe that continued prohibition of solo watchkeeping trials could hamper MASS trials and prevent the adoption of new technology.
The current requirement for an additional watchkeeper at night also has an impact on seafarer wellbeing, according to Niels van de Minkelis, Nautical and Technical Affairs Director at the Royal Association of Netherlands Shipowners.
Niels van de Minkelis stated that their members believe the introduction of new technology designed to support the Officer of the Watch not only enhances navigational safety by mitigating risks linked to human error, but also offers replacement technology that surpasses human detection capabilities in dark conditions. He added that this would free up another crew member for daytime duties, ultimately reducing seafarer stress and improving their overall well-being.
A one-man bridge operation during periods of darkness was also supported in a separate document submitted by Liberia in September.
The Maritime Safety Committee has instructed the HTW Sub-Committee to consider the documents as a priority when it meets in February 2025.
For one person Bridge watch keeping at night (Dark), it should also be mentioned that the vessel is in open ocean and not coasting or in any form of Traffic separation scheme