Panama Maritime Authority approvesIndian Register of Shipping (IRClass) to conduct remote surveys

Leading flag administration, Panama Maritime Authority has authorised Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass), an international ship classification society,to conduct specific surveys through remote inspection techniques.
 
As the maritime world continues to reel under the shadow of the pandemic induced travel restrictions, IRClass ensuredthat ships continue to stay compliant with various IMO conventions andsail with valid certificates. Alternative means were adopted for evidence complianceby IRClass since 2020 when the travel restrictions were first introduced.
 
IRClass has developed remote surveycapability for specific types of inspectionsusing an online remote survey application backed up by a dedicated team which can support vessels anywhere in the world.It has developed the necessary remote survey guidelines which were released earlier this year. A dedicated facility with the requisite IT infrastructure has been put in place at its head office in Mumbai.
 
Following this authorisation, IRClass can now conduct Interim ISM/ ISPS & MLC audits, occasional in-water surveys andradio surveys which have been attended by aradio firm for ships under Panama Flag.Any other remote surveys will be undertaken after receiving specific authorisation from Panama Flag on a case-by-case basis. IRClass shall also be approaching other flags to be able undertake such surveys.

Mr. Vijay Arora,Joint Managing Director of IRClass said: “We are glad to receive the authorisation from Panama flag for conduct of remote surveys for Interim ISM/ ISPS & MLC audits, occasional in-water surveys and radio surveys.This authorisation will help us provide our servicesduring the continued pandemic condition till the situation normalisesto enable conduct of physical surveys. Our customers can benefit from access to our surveyors from any location in the world, faster completion along with documented evidence of survey completion.With the help of documentation, images, video (livestreaming and recordings), inputs provided by the Ship Manager and crew, IRClass provides the same level of assurance as an on-board survey.”

The opinions expressed herein are the author's and not necessarily those of The Xinde Marine News.