UK-based maritime classification society Lloyd’s Register (LR) has launched a goal-based code that takes a structured approach to the assessment of unmanned marine systems (UMS) against a set of safety and operational performance requirements.
The LR Unmanned Marine Systems Code will meet the growing demand within the marine industry for regulatory support for unmanned vessels, according to LR.
The code provides an assurance process in order to certify the safe design, build and maintenance of UMS against an established framework that minimises the effort required by an owner or operator to achieve certification and which is acceptable to Flag States, local regulators and other parties.
Whilst initially targeted at small non-convention sized UMS, including naval systems, it is scalable and is capable of application to larger, more complex vessels as technology and regulation develops, LR informed.
“The code provides a unique and valuable method of providing an assurance process for the safe design of unmanned marine systems in what is a rapidly developing area of the industry,” Tim Kent, LR’s Marine & Offshore Technical Director, said.