In July 2022, RightShip issued the new RightShip Inspection Questionnaire (RisQ), having a very different approach, in relation to the previous version (2017). Since that time, the new questionnaire has already been revised twice. The latest revision, the RiSQ 3.0, was released in February 2023.
In that regard, SQE MARINE consulting firm issued a new circular to address the differences between old and new RiSQ. Specifically, there are two basic differences:
- Firstly, in RiSQ latest version, a set of specific guidance, standards and best practices is provided for each question to guide both the inspector and the vessel/manager. Each question is marked with (V) or (M). Those questions denoted with the letter (M) can be completed on review of documentation provided by the vessel managers in advance of a physical inspection, with the remaining questions denoted with a letter (V) completed during a subsequent shortened physical inspection of the vessel.
- Secondly, the questions follow a completely new structure.
Key differences between RiSQ 2017 and 2023 versions
Total new Items – Highlights
- Section 7: a new section for fuels to be used on board and bunkering practice, for both common fuels and LNG
- Section 8: the dedicated operations sections are separated to different types of Dry cargo
- Dedicated Section 10 for mooring operations (including many items from MEG-4 as SDMBL, LDBF, Inspections etc)
- Dedicated Section 11 for Radio and Communications
- Section 14: it includes the items for general appearance, Load Lines and structural requirements
- Section 15 for health and welfare (including a set of total new issues like welfare budget, mental health policies and budget
- Section 16: it includes implementation items for Polar code and navigation to areas subject to Polar code
It is worth mentioning that the RiSQ 3.0 follows the structure of other standards (mostly TMSA and SIRE 2.0), focusing on knowledge, competence and implementation ability, instead of paper work and procedural review. Master and crew on board should be familiar with the practices included in the RiSQ 3.0 guidance.
Actions required
Ship managers should thoroughly review the latest version of RiSQ 3.0 (February 2023) in order to understand the extend of the requirements and the best practices included. Training sessions on board should take place to familiarize officers and ratings on how to get through a RightShip inspection based on RiSQ 3.0. Additionally procedural requirements included in the RiSQ 3.0 (Policies, practices, new definitions etc) should be included in the SMS as part of each Company’s conformance with the new requirements.
