Emergency Response for Uncrewed MASS Passenger Ferries: Coordination Between ROC, Rescue Services, and Passengers in Multi-Hazard Scenarios

Abstract

The rise of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) introduces critical challenges for emergency preparedness and response. This study examines a multiple-emergency sequence involving man-overboard, onboard fire, passenger evacuation, and loss of ship-shore connectivity on an uncrewed autonomous passenger river ferry. A simulated Remote Operations Center (ROC) operator, simulated passengers, and professional rescue services participated in the scenarios. Field observations and interviews revealed challenges related to coordination, communication, situational awareness, and physical access. The findings highlight the need for clearly defined operational roles and ROC-responder collaboration; improved decision-support tools; robust fallback systems with standardized onboard emergency controls and equipment; and effective bidirectional passenger communication. Overall, these insights inform future regulatory, technical, and procedural developments for emergency-management frameworks in urban autonomous ferry operations.

Keywords: MASS, ROC, Human Factors, Emergency Preparedness And Response, Rescue Coordination, Maritime Safety, Autonomous Vessels, Crowd Management

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1007889