The RightShip Inspection Ship Questionnaire (RISQ) is undergoing significant changes to ensure enhanced safety and compliance within the maritime industry. The updates focus on providing a comprehensive inspection standard for dry bulk shipping, establishing a unified methodology for RS inspectors, and helping managers strengthen safety performance and prepare vessels for inspection. These enhancements are crucial in addressing current industry challenges and meeting new requirements, ensuring that maritime operations adapt to evolving needs and run as smoothly as possible.
Below is everything you need to know about the latest version, RISQ 3.1.
What does the current RISQ 3.0 include?
The RightShip Inspection Ship Questionnaire is the most comprehensive inspection tool in dry bulk. In 2021, RightShip announced an expanded inspections questionnaire designed to enhance its risk assessment service and support shipowners and managers in improving dry bulk standards beyond compliance. In February 2023, an updated and revised version was released in response to industry feedback and in alignment with industry recommendations and regulations.
The current RISQ 3.0 questionnaire focuses on several different vessel types and is designed to deliver an improved inspection result. The expanded scope of inspections covers statutory items as well as recommended and desirable items with reference to IMO, ISO, ILO, OCIMF, ICS, P&I Loss Prevention Bulletins, maritime publications, and industry codes of practice.
The RightShip Inspection Ship Questionnaire covers questions related to safety, environmental protection, maintenance, industry recommendations, and good practices. For inspection purposes, the vessels covered in RightShip inspection are grouped into the following five categories:
- Bulk carriers that are carrying solid bulk cargoes other than grain
- Bulk carriers that are carrying grain cargoes
- General cargo ships that are carrying general or container cargoes
- Container ships that are carrying container cargoes
- Livestock carriers that are carrying live export of sheep, cattle, and goats
Key Updates in RISQ 3.1
The revised RISQ 3.1 introduces several clarifications and enhancements:
- Operation and Maintenance Training: New guidelines have been established for the operation and maintenance training course specific to hatch covers.
- Welding and Gas Burning Equipment: Updates to the protocols regarding welding and gas burning equipment have been made to align with current industry standards.
- Pilot Ladder Safety: Revised guidelines now emphasize additional measures for the safe use of pilot ladders.
Why Are These Updates Important?
The maritime industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and practices emerging regularly. Keeping the RISQ up to date ensures that inspections are thorough and reflective of current best practices. This helps in maintaining high safety standards and reducing the risk of incidents that could lead to costly delays or accidents. By staying current with industry standards, shipowners and managers can keep their vessels in compliance with international regulations, ultimately promoting safer and more efficient maritime operations.
Effective Date
The updated RISQ 3.1 will come into effect in late September 2024, replacing the previous version, RISQ 3.0. The exact date will be communicated soon by RightShip.
Get ahead of the curve with effective training
To ensure compliance with the new standards, it is crucial for shipowners, managers, and crew members to be well-versed with the updates.
SQLearn is dedicated to helping you excel through our comprehensive suite of online courses. Our CBTs are designed to align with RightShip training requirements and provide detailed guidance on safety, maintenance, and compliance. These courses are essential for both onboard and shore-based personnel to ensure they are fully prepared for RISQ 3.1 inspections.
Discover all the dedicated RISQ CBTs here.
Training is the key to success! Stay ahead by proactively educating your fleet, and you’ll uphold the highest standards of safety and compliance, ensuring smooth and efficient operations.
