Abstract
This research paper examines the emerging legal and regulatory challenges that are posed by Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) within the framework of the Indian Admiralty
Law specially focusing on the Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) act, 2017. The advent of unmanned and autonomous vessels challenges the traditional maritime legal concept which are rooted in human presence and direct onboard control which can lead to ambiguities in definitions, liability attribution and procedural enforcement specially when it comes to ship arrest and detention. This paper analyses key statutory provisions and judicial interpretations in Indian Admiralty courts and compares them with the ever evolving international conventions and the guidelines which are developed by the International Maritime Organisation. It identifies India’s current regulatory regime concerned with autonomous vessel
governance including the gaps in arrest jurisdiction, cyber risk management and liability framework. This paper advocates for the need of legislative reforms and gives a foundation for policymakers and scholars to guide India’s proactive adaptation to maritime revolution thereby reinforcing maritime security and legal governance in an era of technological transformation.