LR becomes first Certifying Authority authorised to certify ROUVs under MCA WBC3 Annex 2

Lloyd’s Register (LR) has become the first Certifying Authority to receive authorisation from the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to certify remotely operated and unmanned vessels (ROUVs) under the Workboat Code Edition 3 (WBC3) 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.”

About Lloyd’s Register  

Lloyd’s Register (LR) is a global professional services group specialising in marine engineering, technology and digital solutions. We were created more than 260 years ago as the world’s first marine classification society to improve and set standards for the safety of ships. 

Today we are a leading provider of classification and compliance services to the marine and offshore industries, helping our clients design, construct and operate their assets to accepted levels of safety and environmental compliance. 

We also provide advisory services and digital solutions, supporting fleet and voyage performance and optimisation.  

Our digital solutions are relied upon by more than 30,000 vessels, following the acquisition of OneOcean in 2022 and Ocean Technologies Group in 2024. 

In the race to zero emissions, our research, advisory and technical expertise and industry-firsts are supporting a safe, sustainable maritime energy transition. 

Lloyd’s Register Group is wholly owned by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, a politically and financially independent global charity that promotes safety and education. 

For more information, go to www.lr.org