The journey of autonomous ships has been marked by decades of technological innovation, cautious regulation, and bold experimentation. From early remote-controlled submarines to intelligent, oceangoing cargo ships, the evolution of MASS continues to accelerate. The future of shipping will likely include a hybrid model—where human expertise and machine precision work in tandem to navigate the world's oceans.

During these early stages of trial and test sometimes situations develop which remind us of this huge technical leap and the perceived folly of allowing a vessel to navigate without a human onboard. Barry talks about a recent event where he was confronted with an unmanned surface vessel approaching him with risk of collision.

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The Hong Kong Convention (HKC) was adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2009 to ensure that ships, when recycled at the end of their life, do not pose risks to human health, safety, or the environment. It was created in response to unsafe and polluting shipbreaking practices, especially in South Asia. After years of delay, the HKC met the conditions for entry into force on 26 June 2023 and became legally binding on 26 June 2025.

The long-overdue entry into force in 2025 offers a real opportunity to transform an industry long associated with environmental degradation and human suffering into one of safe, regulated, and environmentally sound practice. Barry discusses the convention, it's delays, the IMO's procedures and the required documentation.

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We are MCA accredited and offer orals Prep, via e learning, blended learning and 121 sessions via Teams as well as many other courses and educational support.

The Suez Canal is a 193-kilometre (120-mile) artificial waterway in Egypt, connecting the Mediterranean Sea at Port Said in the north to the Red Sea at Suez in the south. Completed in 1869, it allows ships to transit between Europe and Asia without circumnavigating Africa via the Cape of Good Hope, reducing voyage times by approximately 8,000–10,000 kilometres (4,300–5,400 nautical miles).

The Canal is not just a man-made marvel—it is a critical enabler of the global economy. By providing the shortest maritime link between the East and West, it underpins the efficiency of international shipping and supply chains. While it faces operational and geopolitical challenges, its centrality to trade continues to drive investment, innovation, and international cooperation.

After the first transit of an ultra large container ship on the 21st June for the first time in over a year and a half, Barry discusses the canals problems and when they maybe overcome.

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https://www.captainbarrysadler.com/

We are MCA accredited and offer orals Prep, via e learning, blended learning and 121 sessions via Teams as well as many other courses and educational support.