The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has adopted a new framework governing the use of Remote Inspection Techniques (RIT) during surveys of bulk carriers and oil tankers, introducing standardized requirements.
The amendments to the International Code on the Enhanced Programme of Inspections during Survey of Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers (2011 ESP Code) will enter into force on January 1, 2028, under IMO Resolution MSC.584(111). They are supported by new guidelines on the use of RIT for ESP Code surveys, set out in MSC.1/Circ.1700.
The new framework establishes requirements for using RIT as an alternative means of access to support close-up surveys and associated thickness measurements, enabling surveyors to examine ship structures remotely without physically accessing the areas concerned.
The requirements will apply to periodic ESP Code surveys of bulk carriers and oil tankers that commence on or after January 1, 2028, where RIT is intended to be used, regardless of the vessel’s construction date. In preparation, LR has explained the following:
Standardized requirements for remote inspection systems
Previously, RIT could be used to support close-up surveys under the concept of “other equivalent means,” subject to flag Administration agreement on a case-by-case basis. The new framework introduces a more comprehensive and consistent approach to the use of these technologies.
A Remote Inspection Technique System (RITS) comprises the equipment, technologies, and procedures used to inspect a ship’s structure remotely. These systems may incorporate cameras, screens, drones, robotic devices, and sensors to collect visual and other inspection data.
Under the new requirements, RITS intended for close-up surveys and, where applicable, thickness measurements must be assessed and certified against the objectives specified in Appendix 4 of MSC.1/Circ.1700.
Following a successful assessment, the flag Administration or a recognized organization acting on its behalf will issue a RITS Statement of Capability (SoC). This document will define the system’s capabilities, limitations, operational envelope, and the conditions under which it can be used.
The statement is intended to support survey preparation by allowing shipowners, inspection firms, and classification societies to determine whether a particular system is suitable for the proposed inspection.
New approval requirements for RIT firms
The framework also introduces additional requirements for companies providing remote inspection services.
RIT firms will be required to use a certified RITS with a valid Statement of Capability included within the scope of the firm’s approval certificate. Equipment must be operated in accordance with the firm’s documented procedures and within the limitations specified in its approval.
The framework also introduces standardized templates for RIT inspection plans, survey reports, and a pre-inspection verification card.
LR recommended that RIT firms familiarize themselves with MSC.1/Circ.1700 ahead of the implementation date.
Survey planning and restrictions on RIT use
The amended ESP Code establishes conditions and limitations for using RIT, taking into account factors such as a vessel’s condition history, defect records, and the performance of the company responsible for its operation.
In certain cases, flag Administrations may impose additional restrictions on the use of RIT for close-up surveys from the third special survey onward, typically affecting vessels over 15 years old.
Where RIT is proposed, the survey program must include an RIT inspection plan prepared by the RIT firm in collaboration with the shipowner, together with a copy of the applicable RITS Statement of Capability.
The program must identify the locations where remote inspection is intended to be used and specify how the associated thickness measurements will be conducted.
Planning must also account for the ESP Code requirement for thickness measurements to be carried out concurrently with close-up surveys, as well as the system’s stated capabilities and limitations. For example, restrictions relating to surface conditions may affect whether a system can perform thickness measurements in a particular area.
The survey program must additionally describe alternative arrangements for close-up surveys and thickness measurements where the RITS cannot be used because of its limitations.
According to LR, the new requirements are expected to increase the level of planning and coordination among shipowners, RIT firms, and the classification society.
Survey execution, verification, and reporting
The amendments introduce further requirements governing the conduct of surveys using RIT, including an initial planning meeting, verification of equipment before the survey begins, and operational conditions during the inspection.
They also require random confirmatory surveys to validate the results obtained through remote inspection techniques.
Documentation and recordkeeping requirements are intended to improve traceability and ensure greater consistency in how RIT is applied during ESP Code surveys.
Following completion of the inspection, the RIT firm must submit a detailed inspection report accompanied by all relevant videos and photographs. The material must be appropriately labelled and organized to support review and verification.
Industry preparation ahead of 2028
Shipowners, operators, ship managers, masters, RIT firms, thickness measurement firms, and surveyors are advised to familiarize themselves with IMO Resolution MSC.584(111) and MSC.1/Circ.1700 ahead of the new requirements entering into force.
Related International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) publications, including the UR Z10 series, UR Z17, and Recommendation 42, are also expected to be updated to align with the IMO framework.
The changes establish a common regulatory basis for the use of remote inspection technologies during ESP Code surveys, with an emphasis on system capability, service supplier competence, appropriate survey planning, and verification of inspection results.