Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) publishes guidelines for autonomous surface vessels and remotely operated vessels
Leading international ship classification society Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass), has published Guidelines on Remotely Operated Vessels and Autonomous Surface Vessels. The focus of the high-level Guidelines is on providing a broad framework/ philosophy for stakeholders involved in design, construction and testing of such vessels with varying levels of autonomy.
These Guidelines cover design philosophy, risk assessment, system requirements including cyber resilience, network architecture, data & software assurance. A separate chapter focuses on requirements of Remote Control Centre which plays a critical role in monitoring and control of such vessels.
Autonomous controls are aimed at progressive levels of delegation of decision making and control execution functions normally carried out by the operator, to a computer system. Five levels of technological autonomy have been defined in the Guidelines.
Level 1- The system provides decision support for essential vessel systems. Decision making and control execution is by the operator
Level 2- In addition to level 1 capability, machinery and navigational systems can be remotely monitored and controlled.
Level 3- In addition to Level 2 capability, the system can select best alternative to initiate control action when permitted by the operator.
Level 4- In addition to Level 3 capability, the system can initiate a control action. The system waits for predetermined time before executing the action.
Level 5- In addition to Level 4 capability, the system can select the best alternative and execute in autonomous mode.
In all levels of autonomy, the Operator can intervene in emergency. These levels of autonomy will cater to the diverse industry segments based on usage requirements.
Mr. N Girish, Head of Rule Development and Associated Research said "These guidelines have been developed through close interaction with the industry and various stakeholders and will continue to evolve. Vessels complying with these guidelines will be issued class notations as per their level of autonomy".
ENDS
About Indian Register of Shipping
Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) is an international ship classification society providing ship classification and certification as well as technical inspection services. IRClass is a Member of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS).
Covering a wide range of shipping, offshore and industrial projects, their team of dedicated professionals brings international standardisation and assurance to your doorstep.
For more information on IRClass, please visit: http://www.irclass.org
For further information, please contact:
Edward Ion, Helix PR
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