Autonomous/Unmanned Maritime Vehicles: An Evaluation of Regulatory Compliance in Terms of International Maritime Conventions and Marine Accidents

In recent years, the integration of artificial intelligence and automation systems into the maritime industry has significantly accelerated the development of autonomus/unmanned maritime vehicles, bringing their potential operational advantages to the forefront. However, since the existing international maritime regulations are based on human-centered frameworks, they contain substantial gaps regarding the legal status, liability, safety, and regulatory oversight of autonomous/unmanned ships. This study examines role and status of autonomus/unmanned maritime vehicles within the international maritime conventions, such as UNCLOS, SOLAS, COLREG, MARPOL, STCW, and analyzing liability regimes in terms of marine accidents and evaluating potential elements of regulatory framework required for their effective integration into the existing regulatory system. Furthermore, drawing upon regulatory frameworks established for autonomous land vehicles, this study explores regulatory approaches that could be adapted to the maritime industry and presents some recommendations for the development of a comprehensive international regulatory framework governing autonomus/unmanned maritime vehicles.