"The COVID-19 pandemic brought various shipping processes to a force majeure situation, and global travel restrictions required the industry to consider remote survey options", Mr Vasilis Kamitsis underlined in his interesting interview in NAFS magazine which follows:

NAFS: Are you happy to have worked closely with LR on this pilot project and why? Do you believe that LR made the life of the people in Roxana easier?
V. K. : Anytime we have the opportunity to work, cooperate, and collaborate with Classification Societies (Class), it is a privilege and a great benefit to our technical team. Lloyd’s Register (LR) is among the top five of most common Class for the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) fleet of all International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) members, so it was especially nice to have the opportunity to work together and strengthen our technical relation- ship and understanding. This project was an excellent example
of how strong, collaborative relationships between flag State and Class can benefit owners and operators.
LR’s continuous commitment to establish strong safety criteria and technological standards, in combination with their vast experience with Class and statutory onboard surveys, facilitates the RMI Maritime Administrator’s (the “Administrator’s”) ability to follow-up on the scheduling and execution of remote surveys. Our mutual reputations for high-quality standards meant that we could rely
on one another during this pilot project. A remote survey offers great flexibility for the operator in terms of logistics and timing. Of course, every pilot project is a learning experience, but the development and testing of remote survey methods to ensure safe vessel operations and reduce the likelihood of disruptions does benefit owners and operators. A prompt, diligent, and well organized operator such as Roxana Shipping can benefit from using remote survey methods to offer flexibility to the crew as much of the re- mote survey work can be completed at sea, unlike physical surveys which require crew attention during a busy port call.
NAFS: How difficult is it for a flag to authorize remote surveys given the fact that this procedure is new for the shipping industry?
V. K. : The COVID-19 pandemic brought various shipping processes to a force majeure situation, and global travel restrictions required the industry to consider remote survey options. Required annual safety and compliance inspections were not waved during the pandemic. The industry needed to react quickly to find a solution when it became clear that surveyors would not be able to travel
to meet vessels to perform their work. Additional restrictions with respect to port State control and port operations required quick collaboration to prevent vessels from being out of compliance with required certifications. The Administrator quickly adapted to the extenuating challenges and recognized that the pandemic required flexibility as a force majeure situation. The Administrator evaluated the parameters of the situation affecting safe and secure vessel operations, crew safety, and the marine environment. Based on this evaluation, the Administrator was able to develop procedures and a framework for resolving these challenges and maintaining vessel compliance.
NAFS: Are you glad with the result so to believe that remote survey practices could become common procedure in the future, replacing or assisting the attendance of surveyors? Does International Registries feel ready to tackle the decade of transformations?
V. K. : The RMI Registry has been investing in people and technology for many years, so we were well positioned to call upon our experienced team and industry relationships to help solve the challenges of COVID-19. Being proactive in working with Class, and having those existing relationships allowed us to adapt faster than our competitors and respond quickly to the changing situation. Re- mote surveys are an excellent tool to maintain an alternative eye on vessel compliance and have certainly proven valuable in situations where physical boardings are not possible, but technology cannot replace the value of being together and learning together onboard. Roxana, LR, and the RMI proved that the industry must remain adaptable and flexible to recognize the need for new practices and processes to best protect safe vessel operations. As for the future, RMI is participating in regulatory discussions at the International Maritime Organization, ensuring that the voices of our owners and operators are heard.
Post pandemic, remote work will likely continue for all organizations and companies and thus, for business operations and verification of proper implementation of Class rules and statutory requirements onboard, we must continue to remain flexible and adaptable.
NAFS: Do you feel that some points troubled you in that project and they should change in the near future?
V. K. : Any innovation has challenges, some unexpected and some identified in advance. IT issues remain a challenge for remote surveys, as adequate internet access, sufficient bandwidth, and inability to maintain continuous communication with the person on board are not easily overcome when a vessel is at sea or even at port. Communication at sea can be difficult, especially with engine noise, or connectivity issues. As telecommunication technology continues to innovate and advance, these issues will be reduced, leading to easier remote access to evaluate real-time conditions onboard.
NAFS: Do you think that using remote inspection capabilities can enhance your ability to support operators and ensure the highest standards of safety and compliance across the fleet?
V. K. : Remote surveys are an excellent tool to enhance traditional survey methods, and a great alternative to maintain safe vessel operations when physical surveys are impossible. Digital pictures and videos are great tools to support safe vessel operations, even in normal circumstances, but they do not replace the benefits of physical surveys. Vessels require close-up attention and review to not only maintain certificates and comply with requirements, but also to protect the crew and cargo. RMI is committed to responsibly facilitating the business operations of our operators, managers, and shipowners. Alternative inspection arrangements will remain available in situations that necessitate flexibility to address and minimize potential risks.

* Regional Technical Manager International Registries, Inc. Piraeus office