Definition of the Master as a key to unlocking autonomous shipping on inland waterways

An analysis of the regulatory framework for inland navigation indicates that the present definition of Master is one of the major obstacles to the implementation of autonomous shipping on inland waterways in Europe. The paper dissects the definitions of Master as given in the 'European Code for Inland Waterways' and the German regulations 'Binnenschifffahrtsstraßen-Ordnung' and identifies the obstacles to unmanned and/or remotely controlled shipping created by these definitions. The identified obstacles are also analysed within the context of the vessel automation taxonomy of the Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine. Consequently, the recommendations are given on how to modify the definition of Master so as to include all levels of autonomy and account for the implications of the current as well as future technological developments. The main hypothesis of the paper is that the Master should not be 'removed' from an autonomous vessel but redefined instead.