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OCIMF offers temporary remote vessel inspection amid Covid-19OCIMF offers temporary remote vessel inspection amid Covid-19

The Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) is now providing a remote inspection option within its Ship Inspection Report (SIRE) programme as a temporary measure due to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

Lee Hong Liang, Asia Correspondent

August 19, 2020

1 Min Read
Ayotunde Oguntoyinbo - Unsplash
Photo: Ayotunde Oguntoyinbo - Unsplash

The remote inspection option is an additional tool within the SIRE programme.

“In some circumstances, Covid-19 is limiting the ability of an OCIMF inspector to be physically present on board a vessel to carry out a vessel inspection. To ensure our inspection regimes continue, and without unduly exposing the inspector or the vessel’s crew to the risk of a Covid-19 infection, we are now able to offer remote inspections,” said Rob Drysdale, managing director of OCIMF.

“However, I stress that remote inspections are offered as a temporary additional resource when physical inspections are not feasible. They are not a replacement for our existing programme of physical inspections. The choice of opting for a remote inspection lies entirely with the company that is commissioning the inspection and it is up to individual programme recipient companies to decide on a case-by-case basis whether or not to accept the remote inspection. Therefore, acceptance of the remote inspection by all submitting and programme recipient companies cannot be guaranteed,” he pointed out.

Remote inspections will require the vessel operator to complete a detailed questionnaire to be reviewed remotely by an OCIMF inspector who will draw on the vessel operator’s information. Information supplied will include certificates, documents and photograph files.

Related:Uptake of remote maritime surveys requires industry standardisation

“Like all our colleagues in the oil and gas and maritime industries, we must adapt to the changing coronavirus environment and introduce new ways of working that protect our people. At the same time, we must ensure we maintain the exceptionally high standards of safety and operational processes that OCIMF members rightly insist upon,” Drysdale added.

OCIMF said it will continue to monitor the impact of Covid-19 and dependant of the results may choose to extend the remote inspection scheme or remove it completely.

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About the Author

Lee Hong Liang

Asia Correspondent

Singapore-based Lee Hong Liang provides a significant boost to daily coverage of the Asian shipping markets, as well as bringing with him an in-depth specialist knowledge of the bunkering markets.

Throughout Hong Liang’s 14-year career as a maritime journalist, he has reported ‘live’ news from conferences, conducted one-on-one interviews with top officials, and had the ability to write hard news and featured stories.

 

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