Lloyd’s Register has become the first Certifying Authority to receive authorisation from the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency  to certify remotely operated and unmanned vessels under the Workboat Code Edition 3  Annex 2.  

Under the WBC3 framework, remotely operated and unmanned vessels below 24 metres in length must comply with comprehensive safety and operational requirements and obtain certification through an approved Certifying Authority to operate in UK waters. 

Alongside LR’s own Unmanned Marine Systems Code, this new authorisation enables LR to provide end-to-end certification services for ROUVs, addressing the growing demand for unmanned and autonomous vessel solutions. 

Jordan McRuvie, Unmanned Marine Systems (UMS), Marine & Offshore Specialist, Lloyd’s Register, said: “LR’s achievement as the first organisation to meet the MCA’s competency standards for ROUV certification, demonstrates our technical expertise and commitment to advancing innovation in maritime autonomy.  

“This was made possible through collaboration with a number of industry partners on key projects. We are committed to supporting clients through the certification process and look forward to granting the first WBC3 certification to an ROUV shortly.”