Influencing the Maritime Regulatory Framework

MAS promise to transform the maritime environment, but this is dependent on establishing regulatory frameworks that enable such change. Specifically, significant efforts to develop a regulatory framework for Maritime Autonomous Ship Systems (MASS) are underway, both in the UK and Internationally. This will help enable the UK to become the country of choice for MAS development and operations. Full regulation is likely to take several years to develop and implement. Meanwhile, and the use of MAS continues to increase in UK waters and elsewhere. Nevertheless, safety remains paramount and the MASG is working with other stakeholders to ensure that existing regulations, as well as local instructions and guidelines continue to form the basis for these operations.

The MASG has close links with the Maritime Autonomous Systems Regulatory Working Group (MASRWG), which produces the ‘MASS UK Industry Conduct Principles and Code of Practice’, Version 8 of which was released in December 2024 . This close link between the MASG council and the MASRWG enables:

• MASG input into the code of practice.
• Involvement in the annual MASRWG conference, which facilitates the exchange of information and provides a comprehensive networking opportunity.
• Regular updates on the regulatory landscape and framework from MASRWG at MASG council meetings, with guidance for best practices for maritime operations and trials.

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