ZeroUSV Achieves Landmark MCA WB3 Certification for Oceanus12 Class USVs
A landmark moment for ZeroUSV, and a major step forward for the commercial deployment of Oceanus class USVs.
ZeroUSV is today announcing the highly significant landmark of having met the necessary regulatory compliance standards for a MCA Workboat Code Edition 3 (WB3) Class Certificate to be issued for its flagship Oceanus12 class of autonomous uncrewed surface vessels (USV).
The certification has been led by leading maritime certification authority MECAL in conjunction with the team at ZeroUSV and the coding department at the MCA.
The certification demonstrates that the Oceanus12 class meets the rigorous safety, operational and technical requirements established under the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency's (MCA) Workboat Code Edition 3, including the framework developed specifically for remotely operated and unmanned vessels.
The award marks a significant milestone in the commercialisation and regulation of advanced autonomous maritime systems.
WB3 represents the UK's most comprehensive regulatory regime for commercial workboats, and has become an important benchmark for the safe integration of autonomous technologies into maritime operations.
For ZeroUSV, the award of the certificate represents more than regulatory compliance. It provides both commercial and defence customers with independent assurance that the Oceanus12 class has been assessed against what are arguably the highest regulatory standards globally for the industry, and is ready for commercial deployment across defence, offshore energy, hydrographic survey, environmental monitoring and scientific applications.
"For us, this is a game changer because it allows us to be able to issue class certificates to the Oceanus 12 which allows us to be able to operator commercially throughout UK waters. And it gives our customers the confidence to know that we've met both the regulatory standards as well as meeting the technical safety standards required under the regulations"
- Matthew Ratsey, Managing Director ZeroUSV
Oceanus12 USV Class
The platform combines hybrid-electric propulsion, modular payload integration and advanced autonomous navigation capabilities, enabling multi-week missions in challenging maritime environments.
MECAL, one of the UK's leading maritime certification and surveying organisations, has played an active role in the development and implementation of Workboat Code Edition 3.
Under WB3, Annex 2 specifically addresses the certification requirements for remotely operated unmanned vessels, establishing a pathway for commercial autonomous vessel operations while maintaining safety standards equivalent to those expected of conventional crewed workboats.
Pictured: Matthew Ratsey, ZeroUSV and Owen Preece, MECAL