Risk Assessment for MASS

This chapter explores the risk assessment for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS), highlighting the balance between reducing human error and introducing new risks from autonomous technology. It argues the limitations of traditional risk assessment methods like Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA), Hazard and Operability Studies (HAZOP), Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), and Event Tree Analysis (ETA), which may not adequately address the complexities of MASS. To overcome those limitations, the chapter introduces novel methodologies such as System-Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA) and Real-time Risk Analysis, offering dynamic and comprehensive approaches to risk assessment in autonomous maritime operations. Additionally, this chapter reviews the international guidelines and the development of the MASS Code by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), emphasizing a flexible regulatory framework to accommodate various risk assessment techniques. This flexibility is expected to promote the use of advanced risk assessment methods or the development of tailor-made risk assessment methods for MASS operations.