Netherlands: Instruction for the acceptance of remote survey

The Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management has released a national instruction in relation to the acceptance of remote survey on board ships, effective 13 September 2023.

The Netherlands Shipping Inspectorate (NSI) has issued guidelines for Recognised Organisations (ROs) concerning remote ship surveys, offering two options: remote classification surveys and remote statutory surveys.

Remote classification surveys, following IACS UR Z29, are allowed for Class-related matters on ships flying the Kingdom of the Netherlands flag.

The NSI will consider remote survey approvals on a case-by-case basis until the expected resolution in 2024 by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

To apply for remote statutory surveys, please note:

Eligible statutory survey items should align with 'IACS UR Z29,' EU submissions to the IMO, and IACS submissions to IMO. Only minor statutory-related survey items will be considered.
Comprehensive statutory surveys (annual, periodic, intermediate, initial, or renewal) are generally not eligible for remote surveys, following the EU Commission's guidelines to the IMO.

An RO can propose remote statutory surveys to the NSI for case-by-case approval if:

The shipowner requests it.
The concerned RO agrees to comply with NSI instructions.
It involves minor statutory survey items or non-compliances* that are isolated and easily verified.
In some cases, assistance and a confirmation report from an approved service supplier may be required.

*E.g. Repair/replace EGCS part (e.g. PLC, sensor), GMDSS equipment (e.g. expired VHF batteries), navigation equipment (e.g. Gyro repeater, radar parts, BNWAS), PA system. Examples will be updated regularly depending the developments.

In exceptional circumstances where a physical inspection is not feasible (e.g., due to access or travel restrictions), the NSI may approve remote surveys for non-minor statutory survey items.

In such cases, a confirmatory verification on board must be included in the proposal, either as soon as possible or at the next scheduled statutory survey.

This document was released on 14 September 2023.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):