COP_2023_V7_pages

2 Application
This Code applies to all Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships less than 24 metres in length. It also
provides general guidance only for large MASS while operated in Territorial and Inland waters, for
reward, for pleasure and recreation, or for other purposes, while on domestic voyages from the
United Kingdom.
2.1 CLASSES OF MARITIME AUTONOMOUS SURFACE SHIP (MASS)
2.1.1 The Code identifies several classes of ships within a MASS based on their intended use, size, speed and potential
hazard to other ships and 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.
2.1.2 The classes also reflect the feasible level of situational awareness that can be provided, given size and payload
constraints.
2.1.3 Classes of MASS ships are shown below at Table 2-1. It should be noted that this Code will primarily apply to
Ultra- Light, Light, Small classes and some High-Speed ships. Exemptions may be specially considered on a
case- by-case basis. Operating speeds need to be taken into account in all risk assessments, noting the various
requirements of the COLREGS.
Table 2-1: Classes of MASS
Class of MASS Characteristic Notes
Ultra-light Hull Length