Abu Dhabi UAE has created a new regulatory regime to test small autonomous and remotely-operated maritime vessels throughout the emirate, boosting safety and technology. A new framework has been introduced that provides clear requirements for testing of smart marine craft by companies and organisations. The new framework sets out clear requirements for companies and organisations testing smart marine craft. To ensure safe autonomous vessel trials, which will safeguard navigation in high sea states, human life, property and the marine environment.
One of the most important aspects of the framework is the compulsory controls on all testing activities through a permit system. Vessel operators and applicants must enforce specific operational measures before any trials. It also includes requirements and controls to test an Autonomous Marine Craft and clarifies responsibilities for permit holders, along with standardized procedures for minimizing disruption to current maritime traffic. Also operators must have insurance and take measures to counter cyber threats to autonomous systems with regulations.
The framework was released by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) of Abu Dhabi under the auspices of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC) under the supervision of the emirate to give a boost to the implementation of the advanced, safe, and sustainable maritime technologies that the emirate is committed to.
