MASS UK Industry Conduct Principles and Code of Practice 2022 (V6)

PHASE 4. VESSEL MONITORING
12.5 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES WITHIN AN RCC
Task
Pilotage
Transit
Replenish
Transit
Berthing
Activities
Establish Mission distance and duration
Crew rotation schedule
Any external support needed (vessel/crew)
Crew rest periods
Comms schedule to main control
External support required? Including
contact details
Actions on abnormal activity or emergency
Description
Transit in confined waters and/or areas of high traffic density where a
conventionally manned vessel would normally require a specialist pilot
or navigator
Transit to operation start point
Replenishment such as re-fuelling may occur within an operation or at
its margins. This could also include changing or replacement of various
operation equipment
Transit to point of berthing
Berthing of MASS to mother ship, shore side or jetty/mooring. This could
include lifting operations when recovering to mother ship or land.
Remarks
Loss of Control Signal; Loss of Propulsion; Loss of Steering; Sensor
Failure; Heading; Speed; Detection etc
Special Conditions: Constrained by Draft; Restricted in Ability to
Manoeuvre; Not under Command; Grounding; Towing; Anchoring;
Operating in restricted visibility
Sounds and Shapes required by COLREGs; Collision; Navigational
Incident/Near miss; Fire; Grounding; Flood; Unauthorised Boarding/
Interference; Piracy; Cyberattack; Salvage
Distress: Issuing a Distress call, Detecting a Distress Call; Assistance to
vessel/seafarers in Distress; MOB
12.5.1 In most cases, there will be several personnel involved in the operation of the MASS with different types and
levels of responsibility. While the titles given to these personnel may differ depending on the type of commercial
or military activity, it is necessary to have clearly defined roles and responsibilities for all personnel involved.
12.5.2 An example of a responsibility diagram is provided in Figure 12-1 below. This example highlights the key roles
required when operating or conducting a mission from a port. Even with a qualified and experienced Master per
vessel, the nature of operations still requires several other personnel to fulfil the demands required to conduct
both safe navigation and complete the mission purpose.
Figure 12-1: Illustrative Responsibility Diagram
ADDITIONAL ROLES
DEPENDING ON MASS
TYPE & OPERATION
CERTIFIED
MASS MASTER
CERTIFIED
MASS REMOTE
OPERATOR
CERTIFIED
MASS WATCHKEEPER
PAYLOAD OPERATOR
PHASE 5. VESSEL RECOVERY AND POST OPERATION EVALUATION & ANALYSIS
Task
Shut Down
Post Operation Evaluation & Analysis
Activities
Method of recovery:
Timings
Names of personnel involved including
names to tasks/responsibilities
Remote control centre set up and
comms check complete?
Communications check between main RCC
and mobile support control centre?
Who has control during the recovery?
Payload checks
Necessary liaison complete?
External support in place?
Handover of control
Actions on – Insert from checklist
Give a summary of the recovery to the
team including key phases and timings.
Description
Shut down in accordance with check list procedures. This could also
occur prior to, or as part of, the recovery procedure.
Post operation analysis could include: Analysis of operation data
capture.; Evaluation and reporting of errors, faults, safety related
issues; Evaluation of the success of the operation; Reporting of events
to authorities, environmental monitoring agencies etc. as required.
Remarks
Crane operation? Is there a vessel specific launch and recovery system?
Are they SQEP? Are they in a fit state, (any illnesses)?
Drug and alcohol policy?
Support team or main control?
Checklist/SOPs
Handover of control
The roles and responsibilities of the MASS Team are detailed below.
Command
n Certified MASS Master
– The Certified MASS Master has ultimate responsibility for the execution of all maritime laws, rules and
regulations as issued by the authorities of the flag of the vessel, by Classification Society, by I.M.O. Port
Authorities and by the vessels owners management.
– The Certified MASS Master is responsible for the overall command of the MASS and her crew. Working from
the CONTROL station of a Remote Operation Centre, the Certified MASS Master is responsible for shift to
shift operation of a MASS, and liaises with all other designated QHSE Department heads for any matters
regarding safety and the marine environment. The Certified MASS Master shall also liaise with a
Superintendent (or equivalent role) and RCC/ROC Operations Director (or equivalent role).
– In matters of safety, pollution prevention, security, and all other general ship matters including any cargo
distribution, ballast and ship stability, the Certified MASS Master has the overriding authority and responsibility
to take whatever actions considered to be in the best interest of the vessel and / or marine environment.
Consequently, the Certified MASS Master should have full and unlimited permission to request the company's
assistance in supporting them to carry out their duties, as and when required. While speed and economy are
important, the Certified MASS Master must understand that both are considered secondary to safety issues.
– The Certified MASS Master shall liaise with a Certified MASS Remote Operator in matters of navigational
planning and navigational conduct. On all matters relating to the technical operation of a MASS, the Certified
MASS Master should ensure that when conducting operations, procedures are in compliance with the Safety
Management System.
94 MASS UK Industry Conduct Principles and Code of Practice Version 6
MASS UK Industry Conduct Principles and Code of Practice Version 6
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