The MASS Master: indispensable, or an illusory safeguard?

Smaller MASS (maritime autonomous surface ships), also referred to as USVs (unmanned surface vessels) or sea drones, are now in common use.1 They are built and used for purposes such as hydrographical surveys and data collection in hard-to-reach areas, and are also extensively used by the military. Larger cargo or passenger-carrying MASS are being trialled and are expected to become a commercial reality in the not-too-distant future.