Research on the Legal Regulation of the Seaworthiness of Intelligent Ships Under the IMO Framework

Abstract

With the development of artificial intelligence technology, intelligent ships collide with the traditional international legal system because of their unmanned and intelligent characteristics. Currently, the International Maritime Organization has put the development of the Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships Code on its agenda, and the safety of navigation as one of the high priorities has received wide attention from various countries. As one of the main obligations of carriers, the seaworthiness of ships is a prerequisite to ensure the safety of navigation. However, many issues such as whether smart ships need to meet the seaworthiness standards, what legal obstacles will arise if they are applied and how to solve them need to be studied. In this regard, the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea should be revised and the technical standards for the seaworthiness of intelligent ships should be clarified, the legal status of shore-based operators should be clarified and their qualification, training and duty standards should be formulated, and the safety manning standards and the way to perform the duties required of crew members on board should be clarified.

Keywords

• smart ships
• seaworthiness
• navigational safety
• shore-based operators
• crew manning