Application of the provisions of the Turkish Commercial Code regarding the master to remotely operated ships

Due to the nature of maritime transportation, the master has always been in an indispensable position. When masters' current duties, authorities and responsibility were first defined, it was not possible for the shipowner and cargo interests to contact the master constantly, and for this reason, a wide range of duties and authorities were defined to enable the master to act on their behalf. However, as a result of the developments in technology, it has become possible for the shipowner and cargo interests to contact the master at any time. The shipowner, cargo interests and their representatives on shore become more and more in control of the operation of the ship within a time. This has led to a phase of erosion of the master's role as the only person on board with ultimate responsibility in practice. One of the most recent consequences of technological breakthroughs has been the construction of autonomous vehicles. As in other sectors, this has also had an impact on the maritime transportation sector, leading to the construction of autonomous ships. In the researches conducted by International Maritime Organisation, ships are divided into four classes according to their level of autonomous technology, and the third of these is remotely operated ships. This group of ships are controlled and operated by a human at the control center which is located outside the ship. Thus, a new phase is taking place that goes beyond mere advances in communication technologies, leading to a further narrowing of the role of the master. This thesis examines to what extent the provisions of the Turkish Commercial Code regarding the duties, authorities and responsibility of the master can be applied to the person who controls and operates the ship remotely.