Due to COVID-19 Spread... Temporary Approval of Remote Ship Inspections and Certification Audits

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Joo Sang-don] The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced on the 26th that, in response to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), it will temporarily recognize remote inspections of vessels (including fishing boats) and remote audits of safety management systems and security certification.

Remote inspections and certification audits are techniques whereby vessel inspectors verify the condition of the vessel and compliance with various standards using indirect means such as documents, photos, and video calls, without being physically present on site.

Until now, vessel inspections have been conducted by inspectors boarding the vessels directly to check the condition of the ship's equipment. However, due to measures such as entry and exit restrictions by various countries to prevent the inflow and spread of COVID-19, it has become difficult for vessel inspectors to enter the country, and in some cases, local resident inspectors have faced difficulties boarding vessels due to port circumstances, causing various challenges. Accordingly, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries has decided to temporarily recognize remote inspections only for interim inspection items that do not affect safe navigation.

In addition, remote certification audits will also be partially recognized. Vessels engaged in international navigation receive certification audits on the implementation of safety management systems and security management plans through inspectors boarding the vessels directly. However, to resolve difficulties in receiving certification audits due to COVID-19, remote audits will be allowed similarly to vessel inspections. However, for safety management systems, this will only apply to intermediate certification audits conducted regularly every two years and six months, and post on-site verification will be mandatory to ensure there are no issues with safety management.

These measures will continue until the COVID-19 situation stabilizes and vessel inspections, safety management system audits, and security certification audits can be conducted regularly without problems.

Meanwhile, since February, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries has been extending the validity period of related certificates by up to 3 to 6 months for vessels unable to undergo inspections and audits due to COVID-19.