01bairdmaritime2026-10-28
NTSB calls for national USV standards after Lake Erie collision involving NOAA research craft (opens in a new tab)
The NTSB issued six safety recommendations after a 2024 collision in Lake Erie between a recreational motor yacht and a NOAA-operated uncrewed surface vessel (USV). The incident caused minor injury to the yacht operator and significant damage to both vessels, with the USV deemed a total loss. The NTSB attributed the collision to the USV's low visibility, lack of active monitoring, and insufficient autonomy safeguards. Recommendations include developing national USV standards for detectability, collision avoidance, and navigational safety, as well as design improvements by the manufacturer.