At the outset of the pandemic, as global travel restrictions prevented seafarers, port workers, and nautical inspectors from transiting borders to board vessels, the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Registry quickly recognized the need for flexibility in conducting inspections and surveys. That flexibility led to protocols and procedures for remote inspections, which began 25 March 2020. While remote inspections are not a preferred method for crew or inspectors, they have been useful in maintaining oversight of safety operations during the pandemic and globally 925 have been conducted as of 25 January 2021 with around 24% conducted in the Asian region. In January 2021 the Asian region conducted over 90% of their inspections in person.

Protecting the safety of vessels and crew in a rapidly fluctuating world has required precision level coordination and communication between flag State inspectors, operators, crew, port State control (PSC) authorities, and local health officials. In the last several years, the Registry has invested in expanding technical and fleet operations capabilities worldwide. In addition to hiring leadership with Australian Maritime and Safety Administration (AMSA) experience, the Registry has also hired an inspector in Manila, and contracted with reliable third-party inspectors throughout Asia, increasing the number of regional inspection assets to more than 60. The geographic disbursement of the team has been critical in facilitating physical inspections during the pandemic.

“We’re planning ahead for inspections with the designated person ashore (DPA), however changes occur rapidly and frequently, so our team plans for a variety of inspection scenarios,” said Captain Sascha Dyker, Fleet Operations Manager (IRI Hong Kong). “Having a local inspector who can comply with changing guidance and understands the local authorities and situation has been critical,” he continued.

 

Source: register-iri