Task Description

Task name :

Develop guidance on the implications of maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS) from a VTS perspective
Leading committee and working group owning the task: VTS WG 1
Tasks associated (*leading) : VTS - 1.1.3.b - Develop guidance on the implications of maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS) from a VTS perspective
Tags: Work programme 2025-2027, Work programme 2023-2027
Task Leader : Dorte Hansen
Task Number : VTS-1.1.3.a
Standards : S1040 Vessel Traffic Services
Topic area : S1040.1 VTS Implementation
Task Description :

a) Develop guidance on the implications of maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS) from a VTS perspective
Objectives of the task :

Provide guidance to assist authorities ensure the safety and efficiency of vessel movements in the VTS area, recognizing:

  • The evolution of automation and autonomy in the context of how ships are navigated, controlled, and operated.
  • The operational requirements to manage ship traffic comprising a mix of conventional, automized and autonomous ships.
  • Interaction via digital communication will increasingly become the norm for ships to provide information and reports to VTS and for VTS to interact when providing information or issuing advice, warnings, and instructions.
  • The importance of ensuring situational awareness from both the perspective of VTS and participating ships (i.e., the Master/ Master of a MASS) is achieved.
Expected outcome :

New Guideline or contribute to a single IALA MASS guideline

Compelling need :

The concept of MASS is progressing rapidly with many tests and trials being conducted world-wide.

Safety is a primary concern for regulators and legislators and it will be necessary for legislators to achieve a balance in maintaining high safety standards as well as keeping up with rapid technological developments.

VTS will undoubtedly have a key role to play with MASS and the preparation of a discussion paper will provide a robust platform for the Committee to consider its implications and respond strategically in preparing appropriate IALA guidance.
Strategic Alignment :

O2 - Develop applicable international standards, recommendations and guidelines for adoption and use by its members and other relevant organizations or parties.
Scope :
Cybersecurity related :

No
Brief and concise description of the work : to be undertaken and programme mile-stones (where appropriate).

VTS54 - Prepare initial Draft, review Task Register and Guiding Principles

VTS55 - Revise draft guidance

VTS56 - Draft GL agreed at VTS Silent Approval and sent to TC03 for final approval

TC03 - Rejected the GL and sent it back to VTS57 for further review

VTS57 - MASS issues were deleted and focus was made on VTS interaction with a mixed traffic. The new work refer to task 1.9.1

Expected numbers of sessions for completion :
Session 54 Session 55 Session 56 Session 57 Session 58 Session 59 Session 60
v v v < < < <

Meaning of symbols for sessions :

v + x > <
Scheduled Progressed Not progressed Finalised On hold
Committee notes : Origins :
Approved by Council (Council session/Date) : 0
Notes from the council :

TC03 - Rejected the GL and sent it back to VTS57 for further review and possible inclusion in a holistic IALA GL on MASS.
Status (Text) : On hold
Status (Colour) :
Delayed
Remarks :

The document was re-titled VTS Interaction with a Mix of Conventional, Automated and Autonomous Ships

History of the task :

2024-05-13 11:05:32

Note At VTS54 the Committee concluded that the Discussion Paper has provided a valuable contribution to assist the Committee achieve a common understanding of MASS and its implications on the provision of VTS and it was timely to begin foc

2024-11-21 10:53:44

2025-02-12 15:57:26 VTSCC

2025-03-12 16:08:14 VTSTGL2

2025-03-18 15:31:28 VTSCC

2025-03-27 11:36:28 VTSWG1C

2025-05-04 18:29:05 alisa.nechyporuk

2025-09-17 14:44:18 VTSWG1C