The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote surveys, which, according to RINA, is equivalent in terms of accuracy as traditional surveys.
Specifically, 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, comments:
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
Furthermore, Andreas Nordseth, Director General, Danish Maritime Authority, added that with new technologies and increased digitization, the maritime world is on the edge of a significant transformation. He also believes that the concept of remote surveys must be further developed and put into practice as a tool for securing the future of ship surveys.
In the same wavelength, Michael Madsen, Managing Director at Hyperbaric Consult A/S, stated that remote survey has proven to be a great help in supporting the continuity of operations.
Thanks to the remote notation we received from the Class – we can now complete our surveys on time, potentially anywhere in the world without the necessity of coming to a specific port or place. Furthermore, we have minimized visits from third parties on board the Vessel which is vitally important due to the current pandemic situation. This has helped us to further minimize the risks of infection to the vessel’s crew and unwanted delays to the operation
As for RINA, it has carried out, using remote technologies, the statutory and class annual surveys on the HBC Achiever, an offshore vessel owned by Hyperbaric Consult A/S. Moreover in June 2020, RINA performed the world’s first statutory and class annual surveys using remote technologies.
