Autonomy (MASS) – UK Maritime Innovation Hub

The UK Maritime Innovation Hub helps organisations navigate a predictable route through developing, testing and deploying maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS) and remotely operated vessels. By acting as a focal point within the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA),we provide clear and early access to the right experts, technical specialists and partners to support safe innovation across all vessel sizes and operational models.

We help innovators understand which MCA requirements apply, what evidence is needed and when, and how to structure safe, proportionate testing activity in UK waters.

Understanding the regulatory framework

Maritime autonomy sits across several MCA codes and guidance documents depending on the type of vessel, its length overall (LOA), operating area and intended uses.

The UK Maritime Innovation Hub helps organisations interpret which requirements will apply to their vessel or concept, and how to prepare for assessment or approval.

Vessels less than 2.5 metres

In some cases, small-scale vessels used in research and development (R&D), concept validation or controlled-environment testing benefit from a general exemption, but operators can still access the UK Maritime Innovation Hub advice and guidance on the regulations and vessel features.

We support developers to: 

• understand the relevant expectations set out in MGN 702 (M) Amendment 2 Maritime autonomous surface ships of less than 2.5 metres in LOA
• prepare proportionate safety documentation and test plans where required
• identify safe locations, constraints and operational oversight models for live trials or sandbox evaluations with either the MCA or a Certifying Authority (CA)

Vessels from 2.5 metres to 4.5 metres

MGN 705 (M) Amendment 1 Remotely operated unmanned vessels (ROUVs) of 2.5 metres to 4.5 metres in length overall. explains a general exemption which has been issued for remotely operated unmanned vessels of 2.5 metres to 4.5 metres in length overall.

Vessels from 4.5 metres to 24 metres (including workboats) 

Most commercial autonomous vessels are currently within this range.

We help organisations to: 

• understand how requirements in the Workboat Code Edition 3 apply 
• navigate additional expectations for MASS set out in MGN 664 (M+F) Amendment 1: Certification process for vessels using innovative technology, including reliability, situational awareness and emergency intervention
• plan structured trials or sandbox evaluations with either the MCA or a CA, develop safety cases, and prepare documentation where required

Vessels more than 24 metres

For larger autonomous vessels, additional assurance pathways apply.

We help innovators understand: 

• how MGN 664 (M+F) Amendment 1: Certification process for vessels using innovative technology applies to vessels more than 24 metres 
• the legal differences in the operations of an autonomous vessel and a standard surface vessel of a similar LOA
• how classification authority or society rules interact with MCA requirements
• what evidence is needed to support alternative design considerations, watchkeeping equivalence, remote operations and whole ship integration

Areas we commonly support

We provide practical, coordinated support to help autonomy projects progress safely and with confidence.

The UK Maritime Innovation Hub supports:

• single entry point and routing to MCA specialists: clear, active and early access to the right regulatory and technical expertise.

• trial design and evidence planning: enabling proportionate, safe trial and sandbox evaluation plans aligned to MCA expectations, including data capture and risk controls within normal operational boundaries.

• safety case development: supporting developers to prepare credible, fit-for-purpose risk assessments and safety cases referencing MGN 702, MGN 705, MGN 664 and relevant codes.

• operational and human machine teaming considerations: guiding organisations through expectations for remote operations centres, supervision models, and human element factors.

• regulatory readiness and approval pathways: helping innovators prepare documentation and organise engagement points with classification bodies and the MCA.

Work with us 

Whether you are exploring early-stage R&D platforms, planning coastal trials or sandbox evaluations, or developing large-scale autonomous vessels, the UK Maritime Innovation Hub can help you map your regulatory pathway and prepare the right evidence to move forward.

Contact the UK Maritime Innovation Hub by completing the online form.

Contact form

For further information email innovation@mcga.gov.uk.