Radar, AIS, integrated cameras, collision-avoidance software — today’s marine electronics put more information in front of an operator than ever before. But COLREGs Rule 5 still requires a proper lookout “by sight and hearing.” Software doesn’t change that requirement.
Greg Signer sat down with “The AI Captains Log” to examine the legal duty to maintain a proper lookout under Rule 5 of the COLREGs and explores broader questions of command responsibility, emerging AI technologies, and the legal implications of autonomous vessels.
None of this is theoretical. Rule 5 already accounts for tools like these — it requires a lookout by sight, hearing, and all available means appropriate to the circumstances. AI and automation fit into that last category. They’re another means, not a replacement for the human judgment the rule still demands.
Watch the full conversation with Greg Singer below.