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

– The Certified MASS Master should in delegating tasks to their crew, do so in a professional manner. This
manner in which this is carried out must ensure that designated tasks are within the scope and jurisdiction
of the MASS rank, as ultimate responsibility remains with the Certified MASS Master for conducting
operations on each watch or shift.
– The Certified MASS Master is responsible for coordinating emergency response, including the remote firefighting
response.
– When a MASS is at sea, the Certified MASS Master must ensure that only the Certified MASS Master,
Certified MASS Remote Operator or Certified MASS Watchkeeper takes charge of a watch. The duties
required in taking charge of a watch should be limited by any operational constraints in regard to following:
the area of operations, vessel size, or limitations in the duties that can be performed when using personnel
who are working in the capacity a Certified MASS Watchkeeper.
– The Certified MASS Master is qualified to lead a watch and is responsible for the safe navigation of the
MASS, during their hours of watch.
– The Certified MASS Master manages the interaction between the Certified MASS operator, payload
operators and Crane Operators.
– Where an RCC/ROC is fitted with GMDSS radio communication equipment, the MASS Master shall be
suitably qualified.
– The Certified MASS Master must report any major incidents or accidents immediately to Operations Director
Navigation and Watchkeeping
n Certified MASS Remote Operator
The Certified MASS Remote Operator is responsible for:
– The Certified MASS Remote Operator is qualified to lead a watch and is responsible for developing the
Passage Plan for approval by the Certified MASS Master, and the safe navigation of the MASS, during their
hours of watch and for the duration of their shift. They are directly Involved in mission planning, execution
and post mission evaluation.
– The Certified MASS Remote Operator is a qualified watch leader and is responsible for the safe navigation
of the MASS, during their hours of watch and duration of their shift.
– The Certified MASS Remote Operator is responsible for designating duties to or on behalf of the Certified
MASS Master to the Certified MASS Watchkeeper.
– The Certified MASS Remote Operator is responsible for maintenance of all marine safety equipment. This
includes the upkeep of navigational charts/ENCs, ECDIS, light lists and radio signals.
– The Certified MASS Remote Operator will assist in emergency response, including the remote fire-fighting
response.
n Certified MASS Remote Watchkeeper
The Certified MASS Remote Watchkeeper is able to:
– Monitor the operational status of the MASS, which may include a basic knowledge of machinery, propulsion
systems and technical equipment permanently installed on board the MASS.
– Report any defects relating to plant or machinery installed on board to the Certified MASS Master or Certified
MASS Remote Operator.
– Lead a team to secure a MASS safely alongside a harbour wall or pontoon including MASS launch and
recovery.
The Certified MASS Remote Watchkeeper is able to assist the Certified MASS Master or Certified MASS
Remote Operator as follows:
– Take charge of a watch for limited periods to release the Certified MASS Master or Certified MASS Remote
Operator to perform other duties as required for the safe operation of the MASS.
– Take charge of a watch for limited periods to release the Certified MASS Master or Certified MASS Remote
Operator to take rest breaks or meal breaks.
– When in charge of a watch, be able to conduct collison avoidance under the following conditions, conducted
during daylight hours with good visibility, and when operating in open sea where traffic density is limited.
Clear guidance must be used in the form of company agreed standing orders.
– Assist in USV pilotage and berthing manoeuvres under the direct supervision of a Certified MASS Master
or Certified MASS Remote Operator, or when operating as part of the crew of a mother vessel, under the
supervision of the vessel Master.
Additional Roles
n Crane Operator
– Can receive commands from the Certified MASS Master or Certified MASS Remote Operator or designated
banksman responsible to the Certified MASS Master or Certified MASS Remote Operator;
– Responsible for lifting and lowering MASS to/from water;
– Will require to have communication with the MASS RCC/ROC and Certified MASS Remote Watchkeeper if
working on deck or ashore as appropriate.
n MASS Payload Operator
– Receives commands from the Certified MASS Master;
– Could receive commands directly from the Certified MASS Remote Operator;
– Responsible for operation of payload; (ROVs, AUVs, towed systems and UAS);
– Could be fully or partially responsible for launch and recovery of vehicle payload when qualified to the level
of Certified MASS Watchkeeper;
– This role could be conducted by the Certified MASS Watchkeeper.
12.6 DYNAMIC POSITIONING STATION KEEPING SYSTEMS FOR MASS AND REMOTE
OPERATIONS
12.6.1 The emergence of Remote Operation and the growth of the MASS towards 2025 and beyond has seen the
number of MASS Remote Control Centres (RCC) expanding rapidly as companies are beginning to transition
into a remote way of working. Currently there is no mandatory requirement for a ship’s officer to complete
dynamic positioning equipment training for the operation of MASS as part of STCW training.
12.6.2 As MASS increase in size and complexity, seafarers qualifying as USV Masters and USV Watch supervisors will
be required to hold DP certification in order to operate DP classed vessels. As a result, The Nautical Institute is
exploring the changing needs around DP Certification for USV and MASS operations. These are expected to be
issued in January 2022 by The Nautical Institute.
12.7 TRANSFER OF MASS CONTROL
12.7.1 The person responsible for the operation of the MASS is normally the Primary RCC operator, however, in certain
circumstances, this responsibility may be transferred to another person within the operation. Any hand-over of
control of the MASS, whether internally or externally, should be formally planned and strict procedures developed
and adhered to such that the full and itemised responsibility is always clearly allocated and promulgated both in
terms of personnel and jurisdiction.
12.7.2 Control of the MASS could be transferred from the Primary RCC operator to one of the following operators:
n RCC (Secondary) Operator - Where a network of two or more RCCs are used at different locations;
n Remote control using portable / handheld console - for example, during launch and recovery to/from mother
ship or shore side;
n Manual operation - For optionally manned MASS, a qualified coxswain may take control of the MASS from
the helm, for example, during transit, test scenarios, launch and recovery to/from mother ship or shore side;
96 MASS UK Industry Conduct Principles and Code of Practice Version 6
MASS UK Industry Conduct Principles and Code of Practice Version 6 97