IMO nod to autonomous ships on the high seas

It appears the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has agreed to launch a study into amending international regulations to allow unmanned vessels to take to the seas.

According to Fathom News, the decision was made this week by UN body’s Maritime Safety Committee.

However, sources at its meeting said while an important step forward had been taken, it would not result in immediate changes.

Among the regulations that would require amendment are the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) and Safety of Life at Sea convention (SOLAS), which have ingrained criteria requiring manned operations of vessels in international waters. And experts claim it would take several years before changes could be effected.