Baku: The principles governing the operation of autonomous ships and the procedure for regulating their activities are being determined, APA reports. This initiative is part of the proposed amendments to the Merchant Shipping Code discussed at today's meeting of the Milli Majlis Committee on Economic Policy, Entrepreneurship and Industry.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the draft defines an autonomous ship as a civilian vessel capable of operating through an automated control system during any part or the entirety of a voyage without direct or continuous human intervention. The operator, holding the relevant certificate, ensures the ship's automated system functions correctly from a remote control center.

The Code will regulate ships with high automation, where navigation and object detection are system-controlled with operator supervision, and full automation, where these tasks are system-controlled without operator oversight. Owners must maintain vessels per manufacturer standards, engage certified operators, and establish a remote control center to manage software updates, cybersecurity, and security audits.

Requirements for ships, control centers, and operators will align with Azerbaijan's Law on Transport, other legal acts, and international maritime treaties. The Code's provisions on ship registration, crew, and navigation will apply to autonomous vessels, which may operate only in designated areas approved by relevant authorities.

Operators must transmit real-time data and accident information to designated bodies and ship owners while safeguarding data from the last six months. Individuals and legal entities, including foreign entities, must obtain certification as autonomous ship operators under the Law on Transport.

An amendment requires autonomous ships to have an automatic collision avoidance system. Their movement within seaports and maritime bases needs port captain permission.