Singapore conducts first remote marine survey for harbour tug

Supported by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), the project marks the first time a harbour tug registered under the Singapore Registry of Ships has undergone a fully accredited annual survey conducted remotely, without a surveyor physically present onboard the vessel.

With the aid of smart mobile devices and an optimised live-streaming application, the crew onboard PSA Aspen and a surveyor in BV’s office, were able to communicate to conduct the annual marine survey of classification and statutory requirements. The BV surveyor conveyed instructions live, seeing and recording relevant images and real-time video, while archiving material capability for the electronic survey report.

“The innovative technologies used in the remote survey have enabled PSA Marine to complete our surveys on schedule despite COVID-19, while ensuring our harbour tugs continue serving our customers without delay or disruptions,” said Peter Chew, managing director of PSA Marine.

David Barrow, vice president, Bureau Veritas, Marine & Offshore, said: “We were ready to deliver remotely and had started developing a worldwide network of remote survey centers (RSC). We can see that the pandemic has accelerated an understanding of the potential of digitally delivered services.”

With physical distancing measures and travel restrictions arising from COVID-19, being able to confidently rely on robust remote surveys has become increasingly important. PSA Marine pointed out that this pilot project has demonstrated how the capability works in practice to set a template for future delivery.

Goh Chung Hun, director of shipping/marine of MPA, commented: “Remote surveying technique not only helps us to manage the COVID-19 situation, but also enhances standards of efficiency, safety and sustainability in the ship survey process. Since the onset of COVID-19, MPA has been conducting remote surveys on Singapore-registered ships.”

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