Shipowners urge IMO to revoke solo night watchkeeping ban

Shipowners and flag states, with support from Finland’s Groke Technologies, are urging the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to revoke its ban on solo night watchkeeping trials for the Officer of the Watch (OOW). They believe that advancements in AI-based situational awareness technology make it possible for solo watchkeeping to be as safe as traditional methods, potentially improving navigational safety and seafarer wellbeing.

The current prohibition, outlined in MSC/Circ.733, has been in place since 1996. However, the Netherlands, Germany, and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) have submitted documents calling for its withdrawal to allow further trials and to ensure that maritime autonomous surface ship (MASS) regulations keep pace with technological advancements.

The IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee has instructed the HTW Sub-Committee to review these proposals in February 2025.

Read full press release here.

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