Maritime UK MASS CoP v2

3 Application
This Code applies to all Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships of less than 24 metres in length. It also
provides guidelines for larger ships while operated on the sea or navigable waters, for reward, for
pleasure and recreation, or for other purposes, while on domestic voyages from the United Kingdom.
3.1 Classes of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ship (MASS)
3.1.1 The Code identifies several classes of MASS based on the intended use, size, speed and potential hazard to
other shipping. The intention of these classes is to discriminate those MASS that are inherently unlikely to cause
a hazard to most other marine users, by virtue of their size and speed, from those classes of MASS that by nature
of their size and speed, are likely to pose an equivalent hazard to that posed by manned vessels to other marine
users. These classes are primarily derived from the existing categories that are contained within either the
COLREGS or the Load Line convention and are purposely selected to maintain commonality of requirement with
those instruments wherever possible.
3.1.2 The classes also reflect the feasible level of situational awareness that can be provided, given size and payload
constraints.
Table 3.1: Classes of MASS
Class of MASS Characteristic Notes
3.1.3 Classes of MASS are shown below at Table 3.1. It should be noted that this Code will primarily apply to Ultra-
Light, Light, Small classes and some High-Speed vessels. It should also be noted that where two criteria are
specified (e.g. length and speed) both must be satisfied or the class assignment defaults to the class above.
Exemptions may be specially considered on a case-by-case basis.
Ultra-light
Light
Small
Length overall