The role of international organizations in developing the legal framework for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships

The article examines the role of international organizations in the process of developing legal regulations for the institution of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS), which do not require the presence of a crew onboard during navigation under the conditions of technological changes in the maritime industry. The focus is on the activities of key organizations, such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the Committee Maritime International (CMI), and the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), which hold leading positions in the development of the maritime industry and international maritime law. Particular attention is given to analyzing the instruments adopted by these organizations, which fall under the category of soft international law, fostering the development of harmonized approaches to the regulation of autonomous ships at the international level. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is regarded as the primary coordinator in developing international legal regulations for autonomous ships to ensure their safe and efficient use in global maritime trade. This includes addressing the compliance of autonomous ships with contemporary maritime safety requirements, the technological security of automated systems, and defining the status of the remote operator in comparison to the role of the traditional captain of a seagoing vessel. The role of the Committee Maritime International (CMI) involves conducting research by surveying national maritime law associations regarding the compliance of autonomous ships with the requirements of national maritime law and preparing recommendations for enhancing the international legal status of autonomous ships, their management, and liability in case of incidents. These recommendations aim to encourage states and commercial entities to unify the legal regulation of autonomous navigation. The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) develops legal regulations for the technical requirements of designing and constructing autonomous ships, taking into account the cybersecurity requirements of automated systems and ensuring uninterrupted communication with the autonomous vessel.