The Legal Disruption of the MASS Code and The Shift in Maritime Inspection Standards
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Abstract
The global shipping industry is undergoing a structural transition toward automation following the adoption of the international Code of Safety for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS Code) by the International Maritime Organization. However, Indonesia’s maritime casualty investigation system, governed by Undang-Undang Nomor 17 Tahun 2008 tentang Pelayaran, remains heavily bound to a conventional, human centric paradigm based on the physical presence of a master onboard. This study analyzed the compatibility of the Indonesian Maritime Court’s current jurisdictional framework with the operational shifts brought by the MASS Code. This research employed a normative legal method, utilizing both statute and conceptual approaches. The findings revealed that the implementation of autonomous ships shifts the locus of investigation from sea to shore based Remoted Operation Centers and alters the nature of evidence from physical observations to digital forensics. Consequently, the Maritime Court faces a significant regulatory gap concerning its enforcement targets and expert technical competencies. To address this disruption, this study recommended expanding the legal definition of masters and seafarers under national law to encompass remote operators and integrating a Cyber and Maritime Automation Expert Panel into the Maritime Court’s institutional framework.
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