With the development of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS), considerable research is undertaken to secure their safety. One of the critical aspects of MASS is collision avoidance, and multiple collision avoidance algorithms have been developed. However, due to various reasons, collision avoidance of autonomous merchant vessels appears to be far from resolved. With this study, we aim to discuss the current state of Collision Avoidance Methods (CAMs) and the challenges lying ahead—from a joint academic and practical point of view. To this end, the key Rules from International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREG) have been reviewed with a focus on their practical application for MASS. Moreover, the consideration of the COLREG Rules in contemporary collision avoidance algorithms has been reviewed. The ultimate objective is to identify aspects of COLREG requiring additional attention concerning MASS developments in terms of collision avoidance. Our conclusions indicate that although a lot of progress has been achieved recently, the feasibility of CAMs for MASS remains questionable. Reasons for so are the ambiguous character of the regulations, especially COLREG, as well as virtually all existing CAMs being at best only partly COLREG-compliant.

With Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships ( MASS ) slowly but steadily nearing worldwide implementation, this innovative technology’s technical and legal aspects still require resolution. These issues are currently under the scrutiny of the International Maritime Organisation. The authors believe that specific attention should be given to the area of collision avoidance at sea and rules governing liability arising from collisions involving MASS , respectively, the 1972 Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea and the 1910 Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules of Law with respect to Collisions between Vessels. The first part of the study analyses technical issues to identify policy implications for handling the not-always-successful collision avoidance of MASS from a legal point of view. An in-depth examination of the current liability rules applicable to such collisions follows. The paper finishes with a few policy outcomes on the optimal regulatory approach on the international level.

In 2020 several member states initiated at IMO forum (NCSR subcommittee) a process to create a single set of generic performance standards consolidating all existing performance standards for shipborne satellite navigation system receiver equipment without creating any new requirements. After over 4 years the resultant generic framework for GNSS/RNSS subsystems has not been adopted yet and awaits further amendments. Analysis of the proposed standards with stress on harmonization issues of the existing, IMO recognized, global and regional navigation satellite systems and the expected impact of these generic standards of satellite navigation receivers on the maritime user are presented in this paper. Additionally the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats awaiting maritime or shipborne GNSS/RNSS equipment standardization process are outlined in the paper.