Document Type : Article
Author
Ph.D in Oil and Gas Law, Faculty of Law & Political Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
The development of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ship (MASS) has shifted the decision-making process into a new center and emergence of new persons such as the remote operator (RO) in the maritime industry. The significant issue is whether we can identify RO as a master and/or a crew member of the ship. There are different provisions in international instruments in this respect which this paper attempts to study based on descriptive-analytical method. It is argued that in terms of both international conventions and the Iranian Maritime Code, the identification of RO as the new actor could be in line with those provisions. The new actor could be considered as an employee in shore-based center or as a service provider to MASS. Therefore, it is required to enact comprehensive and integrated laws and regulations. However, in the transition period and up to the development of efficient and proper laws and regulations, there is no option except for filling this gap by applying the provisions of existing conventions, particularly goal-based ones, pertaining to master or crew. However, it is required that the proper legal framework in the form of a comprehensive international instrument for MASS and legal status, duties, and liabilities of RO to be developed.
Keywords
Main Subjects
English
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