code_of_practice_V3_2019

Definitions for Level of Control (LoC) are shown at Table 1-4 and should be considered alongside the Degrees of
Autonomy Table 1-2. In practice, levels of control may be different for different functions aboard the same MASS (e.g. a
MASS navigating under LoC4, may also deploy a payload that is controlled at LoC2). The LoC applied to the MASS
may also change during a voyage (e.g. LoC 1 in a VTS, but LoC 4 in open ocean passage).
“Master” is defined in s.313 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 as the individual in "command or charge of a ship". For
the purposes of this Code, the term “master” should mean a specific person officially designated by the owner of the
MASS as discharging the responsibilities of the Master of the MASS. This will be an employee of the company who has
been assessed as competent to discharge these responsibilities in accordance with the provisions of this Code. This
person may be located anywhere provided that the required level of command, control and communication can be
maintained to discharge these duties.
“MASS” – Maritime Autonomous Surface Ship. A term adopted by the IMO for their scoping exercise which means, for
the purpose of this Code, a surface ship that is capable of being operated without a human onboard in charge of that
ship and for which the level of control may encompass any of those shown at Table 1-4.
“MASS Watch Officer” is the individual who has responsibility for the MASS when it is operational.
“Operator” – An entity (e.g. a company) that discharges the responsibilities necessary to maintain the MASS in a seaworthy
condition and compliant with all relevant IMO Instruments and national legislation. The operator is also responsible for
ensuring that all staff concerned with the control of MASS hold appropriate qualifications as required by IMO instruments
and national legislation.
“Owner” – The title holder of the MASS. If the “Company” is not the Owner, then the Owner shall report the name and
details of the Operating Company to the Maritime Administration.
“Recognised Organisation (RO)”. Under the provisions of SOLAS 1974/1988 regulation 1/6, MARPOL Annex 1
regulation 6, MARPOL Annex II regulation 8, MARPOL Annex IV regulation 4, MARPOL Annex VI regulation 5, LLC
1966/1988 article 13, TONNAGE 1969 article 7 and AFS 2001 Annex 4 regulation 1, the inspection and survey of ships
shall be carried out by officers of the Flag State Administration in accordance with IMO’s RO Code. The Flag State
Administration may, however, entrust the inspections and surveys either to surveyors nominated for the purpose or to
organizations recognized by it. The IMO reference is MSC.349(92) dated 21 June 2013.
“Remote Control” – Operational control of some or all ship operations or functions, at a point remote from the ship.
“Remote Control Centre” (RCC) is a site off the ship from which control of an autonomous ship can be executed. The
RCC may be located either ashore or afloat and may exercise varying degrees of control as defined under “Levels of
Control”. An RCC may consist of more than one Control Station or Room.
“Remote Monitoring” – Monitoring some or all ship operations or functions at a point remote from the ship.
“Ship-owner” – One who owns or operates a ship, whether a person, a corporation or other legal entity, and any person
acting on behalf of the Owner or Operator.
“Ship Security Officer” – means a person accountable to the master, designated by the Company as responsible for
the security of the ship, including implementation and maintenance of the ship security plan and for liaison with the
company security officer and port facility security officers.
“Unattended” – Used for a control position, e.g. an unattended bridge, without a crew available to operate it.
“Unmanned” – This term is reserved for a ship with no crew on board. Crew does not include passengers or special
personnel.
MASS UK Industry Conduct Principles and Code of Practice Version 3 21