If the public would tolerate them we could build unmanned cargo and tanker ships right now. Electronic engine management, GPS, and autopilots already mean ship crews are much smaller than they used to be and there is very little for the bridge crew to do between ports. They might need crews at the channel entrance to bring them into port and dock them but the crews could be taken off at the sea buoy on outgoing ships. Webcams and satellite links would allow the ship to be monitored and adjusted from centralized command centers on shore. One land based crew could monitor many ships at sea. I’d bet it’s coming but I’m not sure how long it’s going to take. Same thing is true of commercial airliners by the way. That may take longer because passengers want to know there is a qualified man/woman in the cockpit.
Rule 5 - Lookout
Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision.
Unmanned!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A Navy vessel with all women?!?!?
I need one of those with the gator huntin’ option.