The recent 110th session of the International Maritime Organization’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) in London this June brought a slew of developments that could reshape the maritime industry, particularly in the realm of maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS) and seafarer training. Nautilus, the seafarers’ union, played a pivotal role in these discussions, advocating for seafarer safety and regulatory integrity.
The MASS code, a non-mandatory framework for autonomous ships, has been a significant focus for Nautilus. David Appleton, Nautilus head of professional and technical, emphasised the union’s stance: “We’ve been pushing hard to ensure that seafarer safety and the regulatory regime for existing ships remain central as autonomy develops.” The marathon session of the MASS working group yielded substantial progress, with the majority of the code now finalised and adoption expected in May 2026.
A crucial decision was made regarding the presence of a master on MASS. The committee agreed that whenever there are persons onboard a MASS, the master must also be onboard—a point Nautilus has consistently advocated. However, discussions on proposals to allow a master to oversee multiple MASS were deferred until after the code’s adoption and a subsequent experience-building phase. The focus now shifts to the next MSC meeting this autumn, where the MASS code’s ‘human element’ chapter will be finalised. Nautilus plans to participate fully in this final phase to ensure seafarers’ interests are considered.
Another significant development was the revised timeline for updating the STCW Convention. Initially, the proposal was to complete the work by 2031/32, which raised concerns about the pace of maritime training evolution. Following direct intervention from IMO secretary-general Arsenio Dominguez and the allocation of additional resources, the schedule has been brought forward to 2029/30. This acceleration is a welcome step for ensuring that maritime training keeps pace with modern demands.
The Committee also agreed to prioritise work on fatigue and crewing levels, addressing long-standing issues in the industry. With hours of rest already flagged in the STCW review, there is hope that some progress on fatigue may finally be achieved.
The implications of these developments are far-reaching. The finalisation of the MASS code could accelerate the adoption of autonomous ships, but it also underscores the need for robust safety measures and the continued role of seafarers. The revised timeline for the STCW Convention update signals a commitment to modernising maritime training, which could attract new talent to the industry. The focus on fatigue and crewing levels could lead to improved working conditions and better mental health for seafarers.
As the maritime industry stands on the cusp of significant changes, the role of organisations like Nautilus becomes even more crucial. Their advocacy ensures that the human element remains at the forefront of technological and regulatory advancements. The upcoming Nautilus Professional and Technical Forum and Equality and Diversity Forum, along with the UK Branch Conference, will provide platforms for further discussion and collaboration on these critical issues.
In the meantime, the industry watches closely as the MASS code nears finalisation and the STCW Convention update gains momentum. The decisions made in these forums will shape the future of maritime safety, training, and autonomy, setting the stage for a new era in seafaring.