Naval robots and rescue. (13th February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sparrow, Robert; McLaughlin, Rob; Howard, Mark
• Is Part Of: International review of the Red Cross. Volume 99:Number 906(2017:Dec.)
• Page Start: 1139
• Page End: 1159
• Publication Date: 2019-02-13
• Subjects: unmanned systems, -- drones, -- duty to rescue, -- shipwrecked, -- ethics, -- unmanned surface vehicles, -- unmanned undersea vehicles, -- unmanned maritime vehicles; Red Cross and Red Crescent -- Periodicals; Humanitarian law -- Periodicals; Humanitarianism -- Periodicals; 361.772
• DOI: 10.1017/S181638311800067X
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1816-3831

Abstract

Abstract: The development of unmanned systems (UMS) for naval combat poses a profound challenge to existing conventions regarding the treatment of the shipwrecked and wounded in war at sea. Article 18 of the 1949 Geneva Convention II states that warring parties are required to take "all possible measures" to search for and collect seamen left in the water after each engagement. The authors of the present paper analyze the ethical basis of this convention and argue that the international community should demand that UMS intended for roles in war at sea be provided with the capacity to make some contribution to search and rescue operations.