The 48th session of the IMO Facilitation Committee (FAL 48) took place on 8 – 12 April 2024.
Particularly noteworthy is that the Committee approved the revised road map on addressing Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) issues related to the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (FAL Convention). The Committee agreed on specific dates for the entry into force of solutions for these specific vessels, including, in particular, the adoption of amendments to the FAL Convention in the second quarter of 2027. The Committee also agreed that there should be a human master responsible for a MASS, regardless of mode of operation or degree/level of autonomy and the master may not need to be on board.
Should you have any questions, please contact Sebastian Kita (skita@cmwlegal.pl).