In an earlier Insight from February 2023, we considered challenges which need to be addressed to make autonomous vessels a reality, and the current solutions which exist to overcome these challenges. The vision is a vessel that can undertake any sea journey (coastal or international) where the operating system of the vessel is able to make decisions and determine actions using Artificial Intelligence (AI). This will require global adoption and changes to existing maritime regulations – for example, there is currently no way of exempting human surveillance for vessels covered by Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). This Insight paper considers the implications of realising fully autonomous vessels and the role of AI.