MASS and Artificial Intelligence

As the realization of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) and their operation are thriving, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming a prominent issue in the automation systems of the maritime sector. This chapter emphasizes the need for standardization efforts to ensure the safety and reliability of AI in the maritime sector. It also briefly describes and compares AI regulations from the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom (UK), the United States of America (USA), China and the Republic of Korea (ROK). Each country has characteristic key principles, risk-based approach methods, and penalties. This will be crucial for all stakeholders of the international maritime industry for cooperation and harmonization in regulations to be assured of safe and efficient deployments. This chapter also introduces an academic research article that applies AI technologies such as deep learning, image recognition, and object detection. More important than the regulations and technologies themselves is the need to enact them and apply the relevant technologies to ensure that ship operations are safe. It is also required to understand and facilitate advocated international cooperation and regulatory harmonization supporting the safe and effective deployment of AI.