Various flag states and shipowners are calling on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to withdraw regulations that currently prevent trials where a ship’s Officer of the Watch (OOW) acts as the sole watchkeeper at night, reports Safety4sea.
Call for revocation
According to Groke Technologies, which backs the proposal, the Netherlands, Germany, and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) call for the revocation of MSC/Circ.566, MSC/Circ.733 and MSC/Circ.867 that prohibit such trials so that the maritime autonomous surface ship (MASS) regulatory framework keeps pace with rapidly evolving technology
Prior to publication of MSC/Circ.733 in June 1996, ship operators were permitted to carry out trials in accordance with the requirements set out in MSC/Circ.566, adopted in 1991.
However, while the results of initial trials onboard thirty or so ships indicated that a sole watchkeeper provided “at least the same degree of safety and pollution prevention” as traditional nighttime watchkeeping arrangements, Administrations were called upon to discontinue the trials indefinitely.
In the MSC 107/5/5 document submitted in March 2023, it states “new means of detection technology have emerged which may possibly surpass human detection capabilities.”
Alternative methods of performing specific duties
The Netherlands, Germany, and the ICS further that new technologies may well serve as alternative methods of performing specific duties or satisfying the arrangements prescribed by the STCW Convention, which would provide at least the same degree of safety, security and pollution prevention as provided by STCW regulation I/13.
All parties believe that continued prohibition of solo watchkeeping trials could hamper MASS trials and prevent the adoption of new technology.
The current requirement for an additional watchkeeper at night also has an impact on seafarer wellbeing, according to Niels van de Minkelis, Nautical and Technical Affairs Director at the Royal Association of Netherlands Shipowners.
Niels van de Minkelis stated that their members believe the introduction of new technology designed to support the Officer of the Watch not only enhances navigational safety by mitigating risks linked to human error, but also offers replacement technology that surpasses human detection capabilities in dark conditions. He added that this would free up another crew member for daytime duties, ultimately reducing seafarer stress and improving their overall well-being.
A one-man bridge operation during periods of darkness was also supported in a separate document submitted by Liberia in September.
The Maritime Safety Committee has instructed the HTW Sub-Committee to consider the documents as a priority when it meets in February 2025.
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Source: Safety4sea
