Modes
Describe conventional, remotely controlled and autonomous functions and transitions.
Real-work map · 12
Remote and autonomous shipping
Define ship functions, operating modes, master and remote-centre responsibilities, coexistence and equivalent safety.
Evidence statusCross-domain mission framework · vehicle, operation and jurisdiction validation requiredLast reviewed: 15 August 2026
12
FUURAA thesis
Commercial autonomous shipping is a certified ship-and-operations regime, not an autonomy feature added to a vessel.
Engineering map
Turn the title into engineering objects that can be observed, measured and reviewed.
Each layer states the boundary to establish and the evidence needed for the next decision.
People
Assign the master, onboard crew, remote operators and shore organisation.
Assurance
Address approval, safety management, cybersecurity, connectivity and search and rescue.
Verification questions
Write the questions first, then decide whether a demo, test, pilot or operating record can answer them.
Each question needs an object, conditions, denominator, threshold and accountable decision owner.
- 01
Does the ship hold the applicable MASS approval?
- 02
Who is master in every mode?
- 03
How is the remote centre assured?
- 04
Can conventional traffic understand its behaviour?
Evidence to preserve
Enable the next reader to reconstruct conditions, results, failures and the decision.
A conclusion alone loses reviewability; raw records, configuration and exclusions matter too.
- 01
Evidence package 1
Approved concept and mode description
- 02
Evidence package 2
Responsibility and remote-centre assurance record
- 03
Evidence package 3
Safety-equivalence and coexistence evidence
Scope boundary
State what this evidence still cannot be generalised to.
- 01
The 2026 MASS Code is non-mandatory and does not mean internationally trading crewless cargo ships are already in commercial operation.
- 02
This is an engineering reading and decision framework; it does not replace application-specific risk assessment, conformity work, procurement acceptance or professional advice.
Sources and evidence status
Read standards scope, measurement evidence and application conclusions separately.
Source dates and review status remain visible; external sources open in a new tab.
01
IMO · Adopted 2026-05 · effective 2026-07-01
↗02International Code of Safety for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships
Establishes a goal-based framework for MASS design, operation and certification, including modes, operational limits, remote centres, cybersecurity and human oversight.
International Hydrographic Review / IHO · Published 2020-11-30 · updated 2021-09-21
↗Hydrographic survey with autonomous surface vehicles
Separates remote piloting from several autonomy levels and links supervision to traffic, hazards, weather, sensors, communications and recovery.