Inspections activity map - March 2023

China - The recent relaxation of restrictions and quarantine in China continues to change the Inspections demographic with close to 30% now undertaken in Chinese ports. It is expected that the proportion of Inspections in Chinese ports will continue to grow as the pre-eminent destination going forward with commensurate reductions in numbers in other countries worldwide.

Planning requirements - Owners/Managers are strongly encouraged to start planning at least 2 months in advance of existing inspection expiry and explore all options with the dry inspections team if required. It is Owners/Managers responsibility to ensure a valid inspection is in place where required for the vessel to be considered for a vet recommendation. For RightShip subscribers with access, the Platform provides transparency of the expiring status and countdown from when 60-days remaining validity is reached until expiry.

Planning options - Where expected port time is less than the time required for a standard RISQ inspection, please note that Managers may request via Dry Inspections for either:

1. Hybrid Inspection where documents are required to be uploaded for review in advance of the physical inspection, or
2. Dual Inspection where two inspectors are assigned to complete the inspection.

Inspection Validity – Where vessels substantially meet RISQ at the time of Inspection, the maximum validity of 12 months validity is allocated. For Inspections that do not substantially meet RISQ, the breadth and seriousness of shortcomings and quality of actions is considered in allocating an appropriate validity to allow for gaps in onboard SMS standards and performance to be addressed by Owners/Managers. Guidance is:

• 12 Months – low number of lower risk NC’s/Findings. No substantive nature NC/Finding.
• 9 months validity - average number of lower risk NC/Findings or low number of NC/Findings with med risk nature NC/Findings.
• 6 months – above average NC’s/Findings including some of a med/high nature and/or repeat NCs from previous Inspections.
• 3 months – high number of NC’s/Findings particularly regulatory, med to high risk, some potentially detainable at PSC.
• Unacceptable – high number of NC’s/Findings, with higher risk, multiple potentially detainable NC/Findings at PSC

Alongside at Discharge ports remains the preference for Inspector attendance as this will likely provide greater certainty of timing, provide a bigger window of opportunity for an inspection to be progressed and reduce disruption to a busy crew.

Engaging with the Inspector – code of conduct - We reiterate that our Inspectors adhere to the RightShip code of conduct and will uphold the professionalism and integrity while carrying out the inspection. We recognize that good managers operate within similar conduct expectations, it is an important reminder that any attempts to coerce or offer bribes at any point during the inspection will not be tolerated. Please note that RightShip Inspectors will report any cases of attempted coercion or attempts to manipulate Inspection outcomes. In these cases, the Inspection will likely be deemed unacceptable.

RISQ improvements – RISQ 3.0 incorporating clarifications and improvements will be shared with the industry within April, for implementation by 30 June 23. Please access the latest RISQ document, which can be downloaded free of charge.