Nautilus International
International seafarers' union; argues masters must remain aboard autonomous ships to protect crew and liability.
Last refreshed: 29 May 2026
Will seafarers' unions push flag states to require an onboard master during the MASS Code experience-building phase?
Timeline for Nautilus International
Argued the master should stay aboard while any crew are present, contesting bridge-empty operations
Autonomous Systems: Land & Sea: First global code for crewless ships- What does Nautilus International say about autonomous ships?
- Nautilus International, the seafarers' union, argues that a human master should remain physically aboard a vessel while any crew are present, even as the IMO MASS Code permits the master to operate remotely from a shore-based control centre.Source:
- Will the MASS Code lead to fewer jobs for seafarers?
- Nautilus International argues yes: the shift to shore-based remote command accelerates the removal of officer berths from commercial ships. The IMO code is non-mandatory until 2032, so the pace depends on how flag states use the Experience Building Phase.Source:
- What is Nautilus International's position on the IMO MASS Code?
- Nautilus International, representing maritime officers internationally, argues the master should stay aboard the vessel whenever any crew are present. It acts as a labour counterweight to the cost case for emptying the bridge entirely.Source: Lowdown briefing
Background
Nautilus International is the trade union representing maritime officers and ratings across the UK, Netherlands, Switzerland and internationally. In the debate over the IMO MASS Code adopted on 22 May 2026, Nautilus International is the principal labour voice arguing that a human master should remain aboard a vessel whenever any crew are present, rather than permitting shore-based remote command. Its position is a counterweight to the Shipping Industry's cost case for reducing bridge crews: the code keeps a master legally responsible but allows that master to be situated in a control room ashore.
Nautilus's concern spans both safety and employment. A fully remote-command model transfers liability to a shore-based operator, raises questions about emergency response capability when no certified officer is physically aboard, and accelerates the removal of officer berths from commercial ships. The union's engagement with the Experience Building Phase (2026–2032) will shape whether national flag states ADD crewing requirements beyond the IMO minimum during the non-mandatory period.
The union is headquartered in London and Rijswijk (Netherlands), representing members who work on deep-sea cargo ships, cruise vessels, ferries and offshore platforms.