1. Reason for enactment

A strategic response is required by Korea in order to preemptively occupy the world-standard technologies related to autonomous ships in order to maintain its status as a traditional shipbuilding and maritime powerhouse, as it possesses world-class technologies in the field of IT and electronics, which are essential to the Fourth Industrial Revolution. To that end, a new Act has been enacted to promote the development and commercialization of autonomous ships (Law No. 19909; promulgated on January 2, 2024). The proposed Rule is designed to provide the matters delegated by the Act and the matters necessary for their enforcement, including the designation, modification, and cancellation of operating areas for autonomous ships; safety evaluations for autonomous ships and related equipment; application and approval for operation; and prompt confirmation of the regulations.

2. Main contents

a. Designation, modification, and cancellation of operating areas for autonomous ships (Article 2 of the draft)

The Rules provide that the Minister of Oceans and Fisheries may provide procedures for the designation, revision, and cancellation of operating areas for autonomous ships.

b. Safety evaluations for autonomous ships and related equipment (Article 3 of the draft)

The Rules provide the guidelines for applying for, reviewing, and utilizing the safety evaluations.

c. Application for operation (Article 4 of the draft)

The Rules provide the guidelines on applying for permission to operate autonomous ships.

d. Approval for operations (Article 5 of the draft)

The Rules provide the guidelines for approving or rejecting applications for permission to operate autonomous ships.

e. Prompt confirmation of the regulations (Article 6 of the draft)

The Rules provide the application and notification forms for prompt confirmation of the regulations.