Classification societies are issuing temporary survey certificates or extensions based on inspections using remote technology, as coronavirus problems prevent surveyors from boarding ships and yard delays force dry-dockings to be rescheduled.
Growing numbers of ships are running late on renewal of their inspection-based statutory class and flag state certification because of Covid-19-related logistical problems.
This potentially puts them at risk of port state control detention and falling out of their conditions of trade and insurance.
Under International Association of Classification Societies rules, class societies can grant a three-month extension in exceptional circumstances, if certificates expire.
Advances in digital and remote video technology are allowing class societies to inspect vessels remotely and issue the temporary certificates or extensions until the coronavirus crisis abates.
Crew are being asked to send mobile phone footage of critical safety equipment and machinery in operation to surveyors for inspection.
A spokesperson for industry leader DNV GL said: “Where possible, DNV GL uses its remote survey scheme through the globally available Direct Access to Technical Experts services to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus outbreak.
“DNV GL has a convenient remote survey option for a wide range of occasional surveys, postponements and certificate issuance, which has been in place for almost two years now.
“Some periodical survey items can also be handled remotely, subject to flag acceptance, where required. Since January 2020, we see a growing demand for this service.
Exceptional circumstances
“DNV GL will generally accept the coronavirus situation as an exceptional circumstance in view of granting postponement for those surveys where a postponement is possible, based on class rules and statutory conventions.
“This may apply to renewal surveys as well as bottom and boiler surveys.”
Other IACS members are also using digital remote technology.
But experts warn that the real problems will arise if the coronavirus problem continues and ships exceed their three-month extensions. This could force class to renew certification solely on remote inspection, depending on the circumstances.
A spokesman for leading flag state the Marshall Islands said it is reviewing late renewal of statutory certification on a case-by-case basis, but is sympathetic to owners caught up in problems related to coronavirus. He said he is guided by class on granting certification extensions.
The DNV GL spokesperson said: “In the event that the survey in question does not have a provision for postponement and we are unable to perform the survey, DNV GL will consider the application of force majeure, allowing the vessel to proceed to an agreed port for the required surveys.
“For flags where DNV GL is authorised to handle statutory certificates, we will communicate with the responsible flag administration as necessary to seek a solution.”
Insurers have yet to get to grips with the problem of what happens to cover if ships fall out of class because of coronavirus-related problems.
London-based hull insurance representative the Joint Hull Committee has not discussed the matter, and the International Group of P & I Clubs is not commenting.
However, in every form of marine insurance, valid classification certification is a condition of cover.
