Setting the Standard for Safe, Skilled, and Accountable Uncrewed Maritime System Operations.

As uncrewed maritime systems (UMS) rapidly expand across industries from offshore energy and infrastructure inspection to national security and environmental monitoring, ensuring safe, professional operations has never been more critical. The Trusted UMS Operator™ program, developed by AUVSI in collaboration with industry and training experts, delivers a rigorous, tiered certification framework for operators, instructors, training providers, and service organizations.

Whether operating a USV in a harbor or deploying a UUV offshore, certified Trusted UMS Operators demonstrate readiness, professionalism, and a commitment to safe, responsible operations.

What Is the Trusted UMS Operator™ Program?

Much like the drone industry a decade ago, the maritime autonomy sector is expanding rapidly, but with even less regulatory clarity. While drones in the U.S. now operate under FAA Part 107 rules, there is currently no equivalent operator credential or training standard for uncrewed maritime systems. International guidance is just beginning to take shape, and in the absence of structured frameworks, there is growing risk of overly burdensome or misaligned requirements, such as mandating full captain’s licenses for remote operators of small, autonomous platforms.

In the air, AUVSI’s Trusted UAS Operator™ framework helped fill this early gap—offering a practical, scalable credential adopted by thousands of operators, training providers, and public agencies across the world. Now, with Trusted UMS Operator™, AUVSI is doing the same for the maritime domain.

Developed by a coalition of vessel operators, regulatory experts, training institutions, and commercial and defense partners, the program brings a consistent, mission-ready standard to the operation of uncrewed surface and underwater vehicles that’s centered around safety, and informed by risk and real-world operations, not legacy crewed vessel regulations. Learn more about those who helped shape the founding of this program here.

Designed to address the unique complexities of maritime operations, the certification covers a wide range of core topics, including:

• Vessel handling and recovery
• Navigation and collision avoidance
• Underwater communication and autonomy integration
• Emergency procedures and safety management
• Coordination with crewed vessels and port authorities
• Regulatory compliance and risk-informed operations

The Trusted UMS Operator™ certification framework builds upon foundational principles such as safety, professionalism, and regulatory compliance, and applies them to the unique conditions of UMS operations. It provides a tiered certification structure aligned with operational complexity, vessel category, and the level of risk involved.

Get Involved

AUVSI is actively onboarding early participants. Whether you’re an operator, agency, training provider, or technology developer:

Submit your interest below to receive updates, preview certification materials, or join the early adopter network.