Regulatory framework analysis for the unmanned inland waterway vessel

Abstract Several research and innovation initiatives have been pursued worldwide for the development of autonomous unmanned ships. However, these ships’ wider adoption is limited by existing regulatory framework, which presently does not provide clear guidelines requirements design operation The aim this study to comprehensively analyse maritime safety security framework including national international regulations designing, building, testing operating next-generation inland waterways (IWW) vessel considered in AUTOSHIP project Flemish waters. This initiates with identification bodies controlling investigated then identifies barriers where amendments or new developments are required. Subsequently, a strategy overcoming proposed. main gaps that identified include navigation, emergency environment protection functions, definitions required ship operations (e.g. master, crew, remote control centre). Moreover, some explicitly specify existence crew on ships functions. A three-phase proposed overcome current barriers.