THE ADVENT OF UNMANNED UNDERWATER VEHICLES AND THE INADEQUACY OF THE LAWS OF MAN
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https://doi.org/10.55662/Abstract
An important category of maritime technology in the 21st century is unmanned maritime systems. For that purpose, much of the prescriptive discourse concerning the use of unmanned underwater devices; UMS present distinctive questions in understanding the application of existing law. This article summarizes the possible technological capabilities of UMSs linked with its legal status under International Law, and shall attempt to put forth and answer questions regarding regulations and points of enforceability under International Maritime Law, especially the UNCLOS concerning UMSs, if any. Major emphasis shall be directed towards the “grey area”, highlighted due to the ‘Bowditch incident’. It is not yet entirely possible to substantially argue whether UMSs enjoy status as ships under UNCLOS; even if they do, it is unlikely that they can be classified as warships.
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Copyright © 2026 by Hrishikesh Joshi, Dipankar Singh, Anant Nigam
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