The latest version of the RightShip Inspection Ship Questionnaire (RISQ 3.2) has now officially come into effect, marking a significant milestone in vessel inspection standards globally. RightShip — a leading provider of maritime due diligence, safety, and operational performance tools — confirms that all inspections are now being conducted in accordance with RISQ 3.2, reinforcing its role as the industry’s benchmark for safety and compliance.
What Is RISQ and Why It Matters
The RightShip Inspection Ship Questionnaire (RISQ) is a comprehensive internal inspection standard used by RightShip-accredited inspectors to assess vessel condition and safety management systems. It serves a dual purpose: helping shipowners and managers prepare their vessels for inspection, and providing a uniform framework for inspectors to evaluate safety practices consistently and accurately across a wide range of ship types, including bulk carriers, general cargo vessels, containers, and roll-on/roll-off ships.
RISQ inspections play a central role in determining a vessel’s Safety Score — a key metric used by charterers, terminal operators, and insurers when evaluating a ship’s operational risk and suitability for employment.
The Key Updates in RISQ 3.2
The RISQ 3.2 revision incorporates more than 150 updates to the inspection framework, developed with extensive industry input from associations, operators, inspectors, and safety experts. These changes were designed to improve clarity, consistency, and relevance of inspection questions, while also streamlining the overall process.
What’s Changed
- Streamlined Inspection Flow: Around 30 questions have been removed or combined, helping to reduce inspection duration by an estimated 2 hours.
- Improved Clarity and Practical Guidance: Definitions and expectations across key sections such as navigation, ISM system, cargo handling, mooring, and machinery operations have been refined to help both crews and inspectors.
- Operational Focus: The updated questionnaire places greater emphasis on evidence-based inspections, requiring observable outcomes rather than procedural checks alone.
These enhancements aim to make inspections more efficient and more effective in identifying real safety risks, while maintaining the depth of assessment that stakeholders rely on.
How RISQ 3.2 Affects Operators
1. Preparation Is Essential
With RISQ 3.2 now in force, vessel operators should review their Safety Management System (SMS) and ensure that procedures are aligned with the updated questionnaire. Highlight areas such as emergency preparedness, enclosed space entry procedures, mooring operations, and crew competency checks to reduce the likelihood of findings during inspection.
2. Crew Training and Competence
The updated questionnaire emphasises crew familiarity with safety procedures and practical implementation of the ship’s SMS. Operators should consider targeted training programmes to bridge any knowledge gaps and demonstrate effective compliance.
3. Documentation and Evidence
Because RISQ 3.2 pushes toward evidence-based verification, having robust documentation — such as maintenance records, drill reports, and training certifications — ready before an inspection can significantly improve outcomes.
Impact on Safety Score and Marketability
RightShip’s Safety Score model, which incorporates inspection outcomes, continues to be a critical tool for charterers and financiers evaluating vessel risk. Positive RISQ inspection results directly contribute to stronger Safety Scores — which in turn can enhance a vessel’s chartering prospects and business attractiveness.
Final Thoughts
The rollout of RISQ 3.2 is more than just a technical update — it reflects industry-wide collaboration and a shared commitment to safer, more transparent vessel operations. Operators who proactively adapt to these changes not only ensure compliance but also strengthen their competitive position in a market that increasingly values measurable safety performance.
By focusing on practical implementation, crew competence, and documentation quality, ship managers can navigate the transition smoothly and turn compliance into a tangible advantage.