RightShip has lowered the age threshold for vessel inspections from 14 to 10 years to improve safety in the dry bulk sector. This change aims to reduce incidents, fatalities, and PSC detentions. Additionally, RightShip will now inspect smaller vessels under 8,000 DWT to ensure consistent safety standards across the entire dry bulk and general cargo fleet, reports RightShip.
What Does It Imply?
In response to industry concerns RightShip has introduced the following updates:
- Extended Timeline with Four Phases: The rollout has been expanded to a four-phase implementation, giving vessel owners and operators more time to adjust budgets, train crew, and plan for inspections. All vessels now have at least 12 months’ notice from the initial announcement before Safety Score impacts take effect. This phased approach also allows RightShip to accredit additional inspectors.
- Alignment with Dry Dock: For Phase 4, inspections for vessels aged 10 years will now align with the Second Special Survey Dry Dock, with a three-month buffer post-completion before inspection requirements take effect.
About The Timeline
The shorter gap between Phase 2 and Phase 3 compared to Phase 1 and Phase 2 has been strategically designed to ensure that each phase of the new inspection age trigger implementation occurs in different quarters of the year. This planning is crucial to prevent the renewal inspections of one phase from coinciding with the commencement of another phase, which would otherwise increase the workload on vessel operators.
By staggering the inspection phases across different quarters, we can better manage the inspection volumes and reduce operational pressure on both vessel operators and our inspector network. This approach allows us to service booking requests more efficiently and ensures a smooth transition for all parties involved.
Furthermore, our data indicates that there will be almost half as many vessels requiring inspection in Phase 3 compared to Phase 1. This forecasted decrease in the number of vessels needing inspection supports the decision for a shorter gap between these two phases, allowing us to maintain a balanced and manageable inspection schedule throughout the rollout.
Impact On Vessel Owners
The revised timeline, with an extended four-phase rollout, provides O&Ms with a longer period to adapt to the new inspection requirements. Vessels will now have at least 12 months’ notice from the initial announcement before their Safety Score is affected. This approach allows O&Ms to adjust budgets, schedule crew training, and prepare vessels for inspections without disrupting operational efficiency.
RightShip has also introduced flexibility in scheduling the inspection by giving a three-month implementation window to stagger inspection volumes and reduce operational pressure as the industry transitions. The implementation window also ensures that a vessels Safety Score is not affected during this transition period. RightShip Vetting Rules will be updated at the start date of the window and signals the point at which a vessel will require a valid RightShip Inspection to pass a RightShip vetting nomination. The end date of the window signals the point at which the vessel will require a valid RightShip Inspection to maintain a Safety Score greater than or equal to 3/5.
Those vessels not needing to imminently pass a RightShip vetting nomination, such as those on long-term charter, can plan for their inspection during the 3-month window. However, those expecting to be vetted or wishing to be prepared for all scenarios should plan for their inspection before the start of the implementation window.
Support Available
RightShip has introduced several measures to support O&Ms, including:
- Flexibility in Scheduling: A three-month window between the inspection requirement and Safety Score applicability to stagger inspection volumes and reduce operational pressure.
- Increased Inspector Capacity: RightShip is expanding its accredited inspector pool by 90% by October 2025 to meet demand while maintaining high inspection quality.
- Early Inspection Incentive: Vessels built after 1 October 2011 that complete inspections between January and June 2025 are eligible for a $1,000 inspection fee credit, encouraging early participation and spreading out inspection workloads.
- Additional resources: RightShip will continue to develop additional resources to support owners, managers, and crew to prepare for inspections.
How can Vessel Operators Prepare?
To minimise the impact, operators are encouraged to adopt a proactive and strategic approach to planning. Just as careful thought goes into maintenance schedules, crew changes, and parts provision, inspection planning should receive the same level of attention. Mature managers already follow this approach, and by booking early and integrating inspections into their operational planning, they ensure the process remains seamless. Book early, plan thoroughly, and treat inspection preparation as an integral part of operational excellence.
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Source: RightShip
