code_of_practice_V3_2019

1.9 The Code also aligns with other relevant documents, for example the Lloyds Register Unmanned Marine Systems
Code and the European Defence Agency-sponsored SARUMS Best Practice Guide for Unmanned Maritime
Systems.
1.10 The Code provides guidance for MASS which are to be registered in the United Kingdom, specifically those less
than 24 metres in length, and to other similar MASS operating within United Kingdom Waters (i.e. UK Territorial
and Inland Waters per UNCLOS, 1982).
1.11 It is considered that it can also be applied effectively to MASS operating in other parts of the world under similar
environmental and operating conditions to those of the UK, provided bilateral consents from appropriate national
maritime administrations/authorities are in place and are fully documented.
1.12 United Kingdom registered MASS, to which this Code applies, when operating outside of United Kingdom Waters,
may however be subject to additional requirements of overseas administrations. Owners/Operators should contact
the relevant administration controlling those waters regarding the acceptability of the Code and any other
requirements to which they may have to adhere. This includes the MCA when in UK waters.
1.13 Compliance with the Code in no way obviates the need for MASS operations to comply with relevant bylaws
made by either the local/navigation authority or the port/harbour authority for the area in which the MASS operates.
Local authorities may, for instance, have powers to require MASS to have third-party insurance cover, and to set
the level of that cover.
1.14 Additionally, recognising that some MASS operate both at sea and on inland waterways, attention is drawn to the
common approach to ship safety adopted by the major UK inland navigation authorities. Owners/operators of
such ships should also comply with any applicable requirements of any relevant authority for the area of operation.
It should also be noted that local authorities may also have powers over the use of the foreshore and landing
places, and to issue licenses for their use.
1.15 Designers and builders of MASS will need to pay special regard to the intended area of operation and the working
conditions in which a MASS will be subjected when selecting the standards for the design and specification of
the craft, and the materials, products or components to be used in its construction. The builder, repairer or
Owner/Operators of a MASS, as appropriate, should take all reasonable measures to ensure that a product,
material or component fitted, or used in accordance with the measures in the Code, is suitable for the purpose
intended, having regard to its location onboard the MASS, the area of operation and the weather conditions which
may be encountered.
1.16 When new standards are developed and finalised by the British Standards Institution (BSI), European Committee
for Standardization (CEN), International Maritime Organization (IMO), International Organization for
Standardisation (ISO), International Electro-technical Commission (IEC) or any other international bodies, which
impact upon the requirements of the Code, amendment of the Code may be considered immediately.
1.17 In accordance with the EU Directive 1998/34/EC, as amended by 98/48/EC, laying down a procedure for the
provision of information in the field of technical standards and regulations, any requirement for goods or materials
to comply with a specified standard should be satisfied by compliance with:
n a relevant standard or Code of practice of a national standards body or equivalent body of any EEA State; or
n any relevant international standard recognised for use in any EEA State; or
n any relevant technical regulation with mandatory or de facto mandatory application for marketing or use in
any EEA State in so far as the standard, Code of practice, technical regulation or process in question enables
the requirements for safety and fitness for purpose of this Code to be met in an equivalent manner. This
should include consideration and acceptance of sub-contracted materials.
MASS UK Industry Conduct Principles and Code of Practice Version 3 5