SMI is pleased to support the Maritime Autonomous Systems Regulatory Working Group (MASRWG). Details on their work can be found below: 

Guide to Best Practice

The rapid advancement in maritime autonomy has led to the need for updated guidance for those who own and operate Maritime Autonomous Ship Systems (MASS). Although it is not a legal document, the Guide to Best Practise has been adopted by manufacturers, service providers, and others as part of their daily work. Several manufacturers have reported that their clients require compliance with the document for contractual negotiations.

The latest version, Version 9, provides a variety of updated guidance on various topics.  In November 2017, the Maritime UK Autonomous Systems Regulatory Working Group (MASRWG) published the first Guide to Best Practice which received worldwide recognition from the industry. The group has been releasing annual updates since then. Lloyd's Register has supported the publication of this version of the Code.

Access the Guide here. 

Tom Chant MBE, CEO of the Society of Maritime Industries, said:

 “I am delighted that the MASRWG continue to produce such well-regarded guidance in this most rapidly growing of domains. For the UK, autonomy is a key driver of future growth opportunities and fuses our expertise across the sector - professional services, cutting-edge innovation and high-quality manufacturing and design.

The pace of change is accelerating, and as autonomy changes the way we live and work, this Industry Guide to Best Practice serves as valuable guidance on certification, assurance and safety.”

 James Fanshawe, the MASRWG Chair, said:

 “MASS development and operations continue to become an established part of the maritime scene. The Guide to Best Practice provides the ideal focus to enable industry to develop ahead of the anticipated international and national regulatory frameworks. Version 9 of the Guide to Best Practice provides the platform for a variety of important updates with some new and revised guidance. Whilst this has no legal status, it provides a strong complement to the legal framework emerging from International and National organisations.”

MASWRG Conference 2026

The MASWRG Conference will be held online 21st and 22nd January 2026. Futher details and registration link will be added here in due course.