Published by China Classification Society (CCS) and coming into force on November 1, 2019, the Guidelines for Ship Remote Surveys provided CCS’s implementation requirements, scope of application and operational requirements for ship remote survey.

Remote survey is implemented through mobile Internet technology to obtain the survey process information (video calls, survey photos, video files, and other documents) to the same extent as the on-site survey, to meet the customer's survey needs without the surveyor's physical presence. This reduces survey queuing time, increases the flexibility and efficiency of surveys, and effectively solves the problem where an interim survey is urgently needed but the surveyor is unable to board the ship due to limited conditions.

The Guidelines have provided detailed and clear instructions for different remote survey items, so that shipowners and on-board ship officers can intuitively and clearly understand the specific steps and requirements for carrying out a remote survey, avoiding the redundant communication or inconsistent requirements that arise when all remote survey items are treated "case by case". In addition, all CCS service outlets can perform remote survey, which, in combination with the ship E-certificate promulgated by CCS previously, can provide customers with efficient and convenient survey services for 7×24 hours.

The following is a concise description of the applicable scope and standard procedure of CCS's remote survey service for ships.

Scope of application

At the request of the shipowner, CCS can perform remote survey for the following surveys of a classed ship: documents and profile (validation, alteration or reissue at the request of the customer), damage and repair (general average marine losses, damage to equipment and machinery, equipment replacement), removal of class conditions, extension period (class conditions, stern shafts, boilers), turbine cycle survey, etc. Please refer to the main text of CCS Guidelines for Ship Remote Surveys for more details. Inspections involving statutory requirements will be considered on a case-by-case basis in accordance with flag state's opinions.

Remote survey procedure 

CCS responds within 24 hours upon receiving a request for remote survey of ship.