E-Thesis 83 views
The International Legal Framework Applicable to Unmanned Ships: Is It Fit for Purpose? / HAMZA CORUM
Swansea University Author: HAMZA CORUM
DOI (Published version): 10.23889/SUthesis.69486
Abstract
The development of autonomous and remote operation technologies has raised significant questions regarding the sustainability and applicability of the current law of the sea and maritime security law, both of which were originally formulated with conventional ships in mind. Specifically, the presenc...
| Published: |
Swansea, Wales, UK
2025
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| Institution: | Swansea University |
| Degree level: | Doctoral |
| Degree name: | Ph.D |
| Supervisor: | Tettenborn, Andrew ; Kurtz-Shefford, Tabetha |
| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa69486 |
| Abstract: |
The development of autonomous and remote operation technologies has raised significant questions regarding the sustainability and applicability of the current law of the sea and maritime security law, both of which were originally formulated with conventional ships in mind. Specifically, the presence and responsibilities of the master, officers, and crew on ships are emphasised in various international legal instruments, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the International Maritime Organisation’s conventions. This prompts an inquiry into whether these legal frameworks can accommodate unmanned operations, and if not, what legal amendments might be necessary to ensure their compliance. This thesis examines the applicability of the law of the sea and maritime security law to unmanned ships, with a focus on potential future legal reforms. The analysis draws on a range of primary legal sources, including customary international law, treaty law, judicial decisions, and general principles of law, alongside secondary sources such as the International Maritime Organisation’s guidelines, scholarly books, and articles. The discussions cover the introduction of unmanned ships, their classification under the law of the sea, their navigational rights and freedoms across various maritime zones, and their compliance with maritime safety regulations, rules, and standards. Additionally, the thesis explores the application of maritime security rules, particularly in relation to the use of unmanned ships for committing or suppressing crimes, as well as scenarios where unmanned ships may themselves be victims of unlawful acts. The research concludes that, while the law of the sea is generally capable of recognising unmanned ships as ‘ships’, specific amendments to the existing legal framework may be required. In this regard, the International Maritime Organisation is expected to play a central role in shaping future legal standards for unmanned ships. |
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| Item Description: |
ORCiD identifier: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0862-2245 |
| Keywords: |
Unmanned ships, Law of the sea, Maritime security law, Navigational rights and freedoms |
| College: |
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Funders: |
The Republic of Turkey Ministry of National Education |