The Liberian Registry announced implementation of the first ever remote Annual Safety Inspection (ASI) aboard their ships, in a bid to adjust to the COVID-19 disruptions.
The option to use remote inspections is a direct response to the major restrictions facing dispatching inspectors aboard ships, under current health guidelines and restrictions worldwide.
This is just the next in series of contingency measures implemented in the past few weeks as COVID-19 has ravaged its way across the globe.
In particular, the Registry completed the first remote ASI this past week. Inspection team was able to liaise with the ship’s crew remotely via web-based video communication and review the ASI checklist, check documents, check safety equipment, review drills, and inspect the condition of the vessels and functionality of the safety equipment.
Flag States must still maintain a culture of safety and oversight over their vessels, especially given the current state of the industry with crews not able to be repatriated timely, and sailing for extended periods in excess of what is allowed,
…said Chief Operating Officer of the Liberian International Ship and Corporate Registry (LISCR), Alfonso Castillero.
Namely, Liberia claims to have been the first flag State to allow remote vessel closings and instrument recordation, remote Class surveys, and now this Remote Annual Safety Inspection programme.
We will always use technology in a positive, proactive, and common-sense way. Honestly, I am surprised that more Flag States are not doing the same already, but I am sure most will soon follow. We have to embrace new ways of doing business, yet maintaining safety.
