audit services for equipment and materials manufacturers and other key service provider firms.
“As organizations rely more heavily on remote and virtual operations, ABS is making it easier for vessel owners and equipment manufacturers to leverage digital applications by offering even more remote surveys and audit options,” Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, said.
ABS has expanded its remote offerings to include drydocking extensions and radio renewals and will offer additional remote services in the near future. Additionally, it has extended its remote survey and audit services to existing equipment manufacturing and external specialist clients enrolled in ABS programs in the United States, South America and Europe. According to ABS, access to remote surveys and audits allows for business continuity, particularly during challenging times that may create scheduling conflicts, personnel or logistical issues such as the current COVID-19 period.
The Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) has turned to remote surveys to maintain the validity of ships’ certificates and to support global trade, while ensuring the wellbeing and safety of staff. All of its office based staff are now working remotely from their homes and the company has also provided specific guidelines to its surveyors to follow precautions and country specific advisories when planning surveys.
IRClass says that due to COVID-19, some ships may experience operational challenges such as non-availability of drydocks, spares, or technicians. In addition, surveys and audits may, in some cases, not be conducted because surveyors are unable to attend the ships due to travel restrictions or quarantine.
IRClass is working closely with its clients and may also consider the postponement of non-critical work,
where appropriate. However, where possible and with flag approval, IRClass is increasingly turning to the use of remote surveys and inspections. These are based on self-checks by the master/ chief engineer of the vessel using the IRClass survey checklist and remote assessment of supporting documentation, photographs/ videography by an IRClass surveyor. Facilities for video conferencing including live video streaming for viewing specific sections of the ship or equipment for cross verification, are also proving to be invaluable tools for IRClass’ surveyors.
The International Register of Shipping states that for remote surveys and inspections, the surveyors do not have to be physically present on board a vessel. As a result, they say, a remote survey can be conducted anywhere in the world without the surveyor’s physical presence. This also enhances survey flexibility and the efficiency of survey. Going on, they say a survey without attendance has benefits for both their customers and surveyors; however, safety must always be and remains their ultimate consideration and target. However, remote surveys will be permitted only for ships maintaining class with INTLREG.
The following surveys, which may be permitted using remote surveys techniques by the International Register of Shipping (INTLREG), are shown below. Such surveys could be subject to prior approval from the flag administration:
- Classification Surveys (annual) - Condition of Class Surveys - Minor damage and repair surveys for hull and machinery.
- Extension of Surveys (Class conditions, Propeller shaft, Boiler etc.)
- Continuous Surveys Machinery (CSM)
- Change of Owner, Change of vessel name / flag.
- A case by case approval Suresh Sinha, Managing Director The Report • September 2020 • Issue 93 | 39
of IRClass said, “Our remote survey system is working very well indeed and is a practical and innovative way for our surveyors to carry out the emergency safety assessment of a ship around the various restrictions in place. Our surveyors can now deal with surveys, audits and inspections from the safety of their own homes subject to flag approval.”
“I can see remote inspections continuing to revolutionise classification services long after the COVID-19 outbreak using digital technology and real time, risk based, data driven decision making process - in not too distant a future,” he continued.
Bureau Veritas (BV) seems to have really caught the remote surveying bug and is running with it fast. In early February BV performed an engine test conducted jointly between Paris and a facility in China with multiple stakeholders witnessing the test process. A BV machinery expert located in Paris, the BV network office in Germany and an equipment maker in Europe were able to witness testing in a facility in China where BV surveyors were present.
Laurent Leblanc, Senior Vice President, Technical & Operations, BV, says, “This capability is really just starting to make an impact for our clients and stakeholders but we are well advanced in developing the necessary evolution to our rules, our procedures and connecting the remote survey technology with our digital platforms and tools.”
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