## 1 Introduction  
Autonomous vessels are expected to be the next major step in the shipping industry [1]. Modern ships are being built larger with more advanced operating systems, and manned by a smaller, more specialized crew; unmanned vessels will be introduced globally in only a matter of time [2]. Two of the principal driving forces behind these developments are maritime safety and cost savings [3].  
The relationship between human error and automation is widely discussed. IFully and semi-autonomous ships can potentially reduce human-error-caused navigational accidents [2] but theBut the concept of removing onboard crew can also be seen as transferring human error from personnel physically onboard a vessel to personnel controlling the vessel from a Remote Control Center (RCC). This would result in no actual reduction of human error within the chain, as humans are still in the loop [2]. A substantial gap exists between the future autonomous vessel's system operator, most likely a seafarer, and the system designer, who most likely does not come from a maritime background or have operational seagoing experience [4]. The smaller the gap between these two entities, the more beneficial the safety of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) will be. This can be said for regulation as well. All stakeholders, which includes mariners, should be included and collaborated with for MASS legal, training, and operational implications [5].  
The purpose of this research is to answer the following research question: what are the potential risks and benefits of reducing and/or removing vessel crew while increasing vessel automation on the Licensed Deck Officer? As the ship operator, this role is imperative to the safe operation of an ocean-going vessel. This paper firstly explores why the maritime industry is leaning towards automation. Secondly, it identifies maritime industry movements towards autonomous shipping. Thirdly it defines current roles, responsibilities, and training of Licensed Deck Officers for unlimited, ocean-going vessels. Fourthly, it explores the potential risks and benefits to crew and to vessel safety caused by the reduction and/or removal of onboard crew due to an increase of shipboard automation. This is completed by literature review and by objectively analyzing data collected from SME interviews and anonymous surveys in the field of ship operation and management, with a focus on the Licensed Deck Operator's perspective.  
This research finds that reducing and/or removing vessel crew and increasing automation have potentially negative effects on the Licensed Deck Officer. This includes overreliance on sensors, increased information overflow, and increased job complacency. It is also concluded that there will not be a reduction in their daily duties, nor a decrease in the overall amount of navigational accidents. Vessels are not currently perceived as having the practical potential to be safely operational as fully autonomous. Less traditional Licensed Deck Officer positions may exist in the future, an increase of IT skills will be needed to adjust, andcurrent sailing License Deck Officers may not be adequately prepared for industry changes. However, new jobs requiring this experience, such as Remote Control Operators, will emerge, and mariners will adapt.  
This topic is relevant to the industry and to academia as research has proven that autonomous vessels are feasible, but there is no one clear answer as to when or how they will be safely executed [2]. It is crucial to understand how human operators will co-exist with these new autonomous technologies [6].