Representing over 50 member countries, IMPA is collaborating with the Canadian National Centre of Expertise on Maritime Pilotage (NCEMP) and the Canadian Coast Guard. The goal is to thoroughly assess the feasibility, readiness, and impact of remote piloting on safe navigation practices and systems.
This study aims to provide crucial insights into the current and potential implementation of remote pilot operations on traditional vessels and future ships that could be remotely controlled or managed by autonomous systems.
Captain Alain Arseneault, Executive Director of NCEMP, noted that remote navigation trials have varied motivations, reflect different realities, and utilize various operational solutions. "There is a lot of discussion around remote piloting, but it is in everyone's best interest that safety is never compromised by ambition or technological advances. We need clear, evidence-based, and enforceable guidelines, not just in Canada but globally," he stated.