Abstract
We consider four classes of autonomous ships:
1. Smart ship where crew is assisted by automation.
2. Periodically unattended bridge, where crew is still on the ship.
3. Uncrewed ships, where operators are in a remote location.
4. Fully autonomous ships, not having operators at all.
Cases 2 and 3 are most interesting, where responsibility for safe control is shared between human and automation. Defining unambiguous criteria for when automation can be in control and how control is transferred to humans are necessary for new regulations. This can be based on time parameters for time to respond after alert and maximum crew mustering time.
1. Smart ship where crew is assisted by automation.
2. Periodically unattended bridge, where crew is still on the ship.
3. Uncrewed ships, where operators are in a remote location.
4. Fully autonomous ships, not having operators at all.
Cases 2 and 3 are most interesting, where responsibility for safe control is shared between human and automation. Defining unambiguous criteria for when automation can be in control and how control is transferred to humans are necessary for new regulations. This can be based on time parameters for time to respond after alert and maximum crew mustering time.