Remote Inspection Techniques (RIT): Drone and ROV Inspections
Drones, ROVs, thickness measurements and surveys without a surveyor on board require different checks. Before appointing a supplier, define the activity, limitations and class acceptance and, where required, flag acceptance.
Operational Explanation
A remote technique can provide visual access for close-up examination with a surveyor present. A remote survey instead involves verification conducted wholly or partly without attendance on board. Using a drone does not automatically make a survey remote or replace required measurements or tests.
Regulatory Reference
IACS UR Z17: on 15 September 2026, Rev.21 is current; Rev.22 from 1 January 2027 and Rev.23 from 1 January 2028. IACS UR Z29 covers remote classification surveys. The ClassNK MSC 111 report records adoption of ESP amendments on RIT, entering into force on 1 January 2028: this is not general authorisation for surveys in 2026.
MSC.1/Circ.1700 of 17 July 2026 accompanies the future ESP/RIT regime: the circular confirms entry into force of the MSC.584(111) amendments on 1 January 2028. Annex 2.2–2.6 addresses live video with assurance equivalent to close-up inspection, the system Statement of Capability, advance submission of the inspection plan to the Administration, and reporting with recordings and coverage. Use these elements to prepare for the new regime; they are not general authorization to replace ESP surveys in 2026. MSC.1/Circ.1700 — 1, annex 2.2–2.6.
UR Z17 Rev.21, annex 1 §16.2: for in-water close-up survey of internal compartments using an ROV, the RIT supplier must also hold separate section 3 approval for in-water surveys. If thickness measurements are performed, §16.3 additionally requires section 1 approval. Check supplier certificates against the activities actually commissioned. IACS UR Z17 Rev.21, annex 1 §§16.2–16.3.
Scope of Application
Distinguish RIT access for close-up examination, diver/ROV underwater survey, thickness measurement and remote survey. For each activity check supplier certification, qualifications and acceptance conditions. RIT approval does not automatically cover other activities.
Procedure / How to Complete It
- Define the survey, structures and whether the surveyor will attend on board.
- Check activity-specific supplier approval and certificate validity, including transition rules.
- Agree method, coverage, limitations and conditions beforehand with class and flag where applicable.
- For thickness measurements also check specific approval and qualifications; for IWS check the applicable underwater-survey regime.
- Agree position references, image quality and data recording.
- Provide for direct examination or further checks when quality or coverage is insufficient.
Practical Example
A drone records a suspect area but cannot quantify thickness loss. The surveyor requests the appropriate follow-up: the video remains visual evidence and does not become a thickness measurement.
What Typically Goes Wrong
Accepting generic drone certification as approval for every activity, losing finding locations or confusing published revisions with revisions already applicable.
Common Mistakes Mistake Library
| Mistake | How to avoid it |
|---|---|
| Accepting generic drone certification as approval for every activity, losing finding locations or confusing published revisions with revisions already applicable. | Check the individual ship’s requirements and documents before closing the work. |
What the PSCO Checks
Operational Tips
- Associate images and measurements with ship, location and date.
- Record areas not covered and completion actions.
- Retain the accepted report with the data needed to interpret it.
Preparation checklist
- Activity and survey mode defined
- Supplier approved for scope
- Prior acceptance checked
- Z17 revision and transition checked
- Coverage and quality agreed
- Follow-up examination planned
FAQ
Related Topics
Last substantive revision of this page: 16 September 2026 · page fingerprint 9ada5c1b5f7e