José A. Orosa

By Manuel Vázquez Neira, Genaro Cao Feijóo, José A. Orosa

This chapter examines how artificial intelligence technologies can be incorporated into the existing international and national maritime regulatory framework in order to strengthen the protection of human life at sea. Through a structured review of prior scientific and technical studies on the application of artificial intelligence in the maritime domain, the chapter analyses the extent to which current international instruments and Spanish national regulations are capable of accommodating these technologies. Although merchant vessels constitute the primary focus, the proposed regulatory adaptations are equally applicable to other ship types, including naval and fishing vessels. The analysis highlights the need to introduce automated systems capable of identifying critical situations in real time, such as man-overboard incidents or abnormal crew immobility on deck. These capabilities may be achieved through the combined use of computer vision, thermal sensing, and behavioural analysis algorithms. The chapter translates these findings into concrete regulatory proposals, including a suggested amendment to Chapter III of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention, together with complementary technical recommendations related to the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watch keeping for Seafarers (STCW) Convention, the Maritime Labour Convention, and the International Safety Management (ISM) Code. Overall, the chapter seeks to provide maritime professionals and regulators with a practical reference for improving working conditions and preventing fatal accidents by transforming traditionally subjective human factor considerations into objective and data-driven safety measures enabled by artificial intelligence.

Part of the book: Artificial Intelligence Ethics, Law, and Policy [Working title]