RINA COMPLETES STATUTORY AND ANNUAL SURVEYS ON OFFSHORE VESSEL REMOTELY

The surveys were carried out on the offshore vessel HBC Achiever, owned by Hyperbaric Consult A/S. The Danish Maritime Authority, attended the survey remotely and authorised RINA to certify the HBC Achiever. The surveys were the first remote statutory and class annual surveys in the northern European area, and follow RINA’s first statutory and class annual surveys using remote technologies in June 2020.

The inspection included the hull and machinery equipment and a sea trial to confirm additional Dynamic Positioning class notation. Following the completion of the survey, HBC Achiever was assigned the additional class notation REMOTE by RINA. This identifies the ships deemed by the Society to be eligible to be surveyed remotely for most periodical and class surveys.

Although RINA was already working with remote survey technology, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of this method, which is equivalent in terms of accuracy as traditional surveys. Indeed, in 2020 the execution of remote surveys increased exponentially, not only for activities on board vessels but also for inspection at workshops and other inspection and certification applications.

Paolo Moretti, CEO of RINA Services, said “Remote technology is helping during the pandemic, but we already saw this methodology as part of the future inspection and certification services. Not having to travel to the vessel’s location not only increases the efficiency of this activity, it also ensures safety and reduces carbon footprint. Remote technology for surveys has shown its full reliability. Wider adoption and involvement of different players in the industry are now essential to move towards a widely accepted and regulated solution.”

Andreas Nordseth, Director General, Danish Maritime Authority commented, “With new technologies and increased digitisation, the maritime world is on the edge of a significant transformation. At the Danish Maritime Authority, we wish to pave the way for new technologies that can help and support shipping companies and ships around the world. We already have good experience with others digital solutions such as digital certificates for seafarers. However, new technologies should not be implemented at the expense of the safety of the crew, the ship or the environment. The concept of remote surveys must be further developed and put into practice as a tool for securing the future of ship surveys. The Danish Maritime Authority finds it important that Flag States and Recognised Organisations work together in this process.”