OCIMF issued a document providing guidance for OCIMF Programme Participants on commissioning and conducting a Remote Inspection under OCIMF Programmes, given that remote inspections are on the rise and the restrictions remain strict.
The guide advises that when evaluating the need for Remote Inspections under OCIMF programs during COVID-19, the Operator and the Submitting Company commissioning the inspection should consider several factors including but not limited to:
- The risk of transmission of COVID-19 due to conducting a physical inspection.
- The existence of cases or symptoms of COVID-19 onboard particularly within 14 days leading up to the date of the proposed inspection.
- An assessment of the vessel’s location and past schedule.
- Travel restrictions to and from the intended inspection location.
- The possibility that a physical inspection of the vessel can be conducted at another port on a future date which will meet the Submitting Company’s assurance needs.
- The possibility that the vessel may already have Inspection Reports available in the relevant Programme Database which could allow an assessment of the vessel to satisfy the Submitting Company’s assurance needs.
When it comes to the inspection, it is noted that the operator should provide, at least two days before the Inspector engages with the vessel, vessel certificates and inspection documents, responses to all Operator Data-Submission Questions including uploading documents required and a declaration that the certificates and documents submitted are the most recent versions available.
Concluding, among others, it is highlighted that
The Inspector must have attended online training provided by OCIMF in order to be able to carry out a Remote Inspection under OCIMF Programme on behalf of a Submitting Company.
To learn more click on the guide herebelow
