Use of unmanned surface vessels for search and rescue in the Arctic

Abstract

The use of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) in the maritime industry has increased rapidly in recent years. At the same time, maritime activity in the Arctic is expanding as diminishing sea ice enables greater access for commercial shipping, offshore energy development, fisheries, and cruise tourism. This growth has heightened the risk of maritime accidents in a region characterized by harsh environmental conditions, vast distances, and limited infrastructure. Existing search and rescue (SAR) capabilities of Arctic states are widely regarded as insufficient to fully address the anticipated increase in maritime traffic, prompting efforts to enhance SAR preparedness. This study examines the potential role of USVs in supporting Arctic SAR operations from operational and legal perspectives, with particular reference to the Northern Sea Route. It addresses two research questions: 'how USVs can support SAR operations in the Arctic in light of existing SAR capabilities and increasing maritime activity', and 'what legal and regulatory constraints may limit their deployment'. A qualitative pilot study was conducted based on semi-structured interviews with domain experts, which were coded and analyzed using content and thematic analysis methods. The findings suggest that USVs can enhance SAR operations as complementary assets, provided that existing legal ambiguities are clarified.