As we see an increase in vessel manager’s planning processes, the call for RightShip inspections worldwide have been increasing. Singapore remains strongest for the past couple of months and it’s still continuing to be the preferred location for inspection while vessels carry out bunkering, replenishments and crew change. Quarantine restrictions on inspections in many Chinese ports still continues to have a strong hold driving global re-distribution. Inspections in Chinese shipyards, where attendance can be arranged, also remain strong, but often come with additional testing and enforced pre and post-inspection quarantine for the inspector. North America is the new emerging preferred inspection location which has seen a significant increase for the current month. South Korea, Australia, India, Japan continues to have steady applications along with Spain and Brazil inspection numbers gradually increasing. Global easing of restrictions has made travel more convenient to Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Philippines.
Operation status - RightShip inspection
When planning your inspection location, inspections preference would be in discharge ports or anchorages. This is to support crew wellbeing through minimizing risk by avoiding the load ports where crew are heavily loaded with operational tasks. Performing inspections while in dry dock is not something we recommend, however we support these applications where there are no alternatives to facilitate the commercial requirements of the vessel.
Ship operators are encouraged to carry out their own gap analysis of RISQ and should also be aware that the number of findings remain invariably higher when the ship is under repair, as normal shipboard routines would have been interrupted. RightShip continues to explore areas for safe inspections as long as travel allows. To ensure demand is met, RightShip is also recruiting and accrediting additional inspectors for those areas.
Plan for RightShip inspection
It is recommended that RightShip Inspections are requested early to prevent unforeseen difficulties for inspector placement due to varied impediments, such as weather, local government restrictions etc. Once planned for a scheduled inspection, owners /managers should refrain from last minute cancellation as an inspector is already committed to attending the vessel. Requests at short notice for last minute inspection may only be provided in limited locations dependent on inspector availability. RightShip currently does not carry out inspections in Tubarao anchorage, Brazil, due to safety concerns.
A proactive vessel operator will plan, not delay the inspection to the last minute and will use the RightShip Inspection Ship Questionnaire (RISQ) to ensure the vessel is ready in all respects. It is also crucial to prepare ahead and discuss the vessel's forward itinerary with the RightShip Inspections team, so they can investigate all available options. The RightShip team can be contacted here or you can read more on the vessel inspection pages of our website.
Important note – We have seen some cases of masters attempting to manipulate outcomes of inspections. Please note that RightShip Inspectors will report any cases of attempted coercion or attempts to manipulate Inspection outcomes.