Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water……
Yes, the Iconoclast here reports that a number of corporations are working on crewless shipping and ships. Captain, Master Bates, Seaman Stains, the whole shooting match…gone! The dawn of the AI skippered super tanker is here and just waiting for the change in marine law governing international waters to leave port on a maiden voyage. Could you have a maiden voyage if humans aren’t involved?
What happens to the role of pilot? That unique individual who takes over from the captain to safely berth the ship in challenging waters? Would their job be on the line as well?
Will the AI autonomous ships be safer I hear you ask? According to some sources approximately 60% of all shipping accidents are down to human factors. Mind you, the same source never records the number of incidents averted by skilled seamen.
There are some plus sides, obviously the cost saving in crewing a ship and releasing their accommodation to increase cargo space. The pirates which operate in some waters would not be able to threaten a crew and gain control. However, there are enough Internet pirates who would try and gain control of an AI super tanker from their bedrooms!
What happens if your floating gin palace springs a leak and you try and flag down a passing super tanker? I guess you would hope it was a fully crewed one.