Updated Policy Letter on Guidelines for Human-Supervised Testing of Remote Controlled and Autonomous Systems on Vessels

The Coast Guard Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance (CG-CVC) has published CG-CVC Policy Letter 22-01 Change 1, Guidelines for Human-Supervised Testing of Remote Controlled and Autonomous Systems on Vessels. This Policy Letter serves to provide direction and guidance to Officers in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) and Captains of the Port (COTP) in response to industry requests seeking to test remote control and autonomous systems on vessels. The implementation of new technology on vessels has the potential to increase efficiencies and reduce accidents on vessels and the greater Marine Transportation System (MTS), but also introduces new safety risks and security challenges in the MTS.

This Policy Letter is designed to streamline the process for OCMIs/COTPs to address requests to test remote control and autonomous systems on vessels and to promote consistency across the Coast Guard. The Policy Letter is accessible alongside other CG-CVC policies on the Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance website.

Questions concerning this policy should be directed to CG-CVC@uscg.mil.