Overview
In July 2022, RightShip issued the new RightShip Inspection Questionnaire (RisQ), having a very different approach, in relation to the previous version (2017). Since that time, the new questionnaire has already been revised twice. The latest revision, the RiSQ 3.0, was released in February 2023.
Previous vs New Version of RiSQ
There are two basic differences between old and new RiSQ. Firstly, in RiSQ latest version, a set of specific guidance, standards and best practices is provided for each question to guide both the inspector and the vessel/manager. Each question is marked with (V) or (M). Those questions denoted with the letter (M) can be completed on review of documentation provided by the vessel managers in advance of a physical inspection, with the remaining questions denoted with a letter (V) completed during a subsequent shortened physical inspection of the vessel. Secondly, the questions follow a completely new structure.
Key differences between RiSQ 2017 and 2023 versions
| Ship Inspection – Edition 2017 | RiSQ Edition 2023 |
| 16 Pages | 177 Pages |
| I10 Sections | 16 Sections |
| Section 1: Vessel Particulars / 17 items | Section 1: General Information / 28 items |
| Section 2: Documentation / 21 Items | Section 2: Certification and personnel management / 16 Items |
| Section 7: Bridge Management / 30 Items | Section 3: Navigation / 28 Items |
| Section 3: Effectiveness of ISM System / 27 Items | Section 4: ISM System / 41 items |
| Section 4: Safety Management / 36 items | Spread into several sections |
| Section 4: Environmental Management / 6 items | Section 5: Pollution Prevention and Control / 27 items |
| Section 5: Structural Condition / 61 items | Section 6: Ship’s Structure / 8 items |
| Section 7 A: Fuel Management (Oil Fuel) / 13 items B: LNG Fuel / 30 items |
|
| Section 8 A: Cargo Operation- Solid Bulk Cargo other than Grain / 19 items B: Bulk Grain / 35 Items C: General cargo / 38 items D: Cellular Container Ships / 34 items E: Self-Unloading Transhipment / 34 items |
|
| Section 9A: Hatch Cover and Lifting Appliances / 22 items | |
| Section 9: Condition of Cranes / 1 checklist with 21 items | Section 9B: Gantry Cranes / 24 items |
| Section 10: Mooring Operations / 23 items | |
| Section 11: Radio and Communication / 9 items | |
| Section 4: Security Management / 8 items | Section 12: Security / 8 items |
| Section 6: Machinery Management / 49 items | Section 13: Machinery Space / 46 items |
| Section 14: General Appearance – Hull and Superstructure / 18 Items | |
| Section 15: Health and Welfare of Seafarers / 13 items | |
| Section 16: Ice or Polar Water Operations / 20 items | |
| 256 Requirements | 363 – 399 Requirements depending on cargo /fuel |
| Legend | Same more or Less | Mostly New Requirements | New Requirements |
Total new Items – Highlights
- Section 7: a new section for fuels to be used on board and bunkering practice, for both common fuels and LNG
- Section 8: the dedicated operations sections are separated to different types of Dry cargo
- Dedicated Section 10 for mooring operations (including many items from MEG-4 as SDMBL, LDBF, Inspections etc)
- Dedicated Section 11 for Radio and Communications
- Section 14: it includes the items for general appearance, Load Lines and structural requirements
- Section 15 for health and welfare (including a set of total new issues like welfare budget, mental health policies and budget
- Section 16: it includes implementation items for Polar code and navigation to areas subject to Polar code
It is worth mentioning that the RiSQ 3.0 follows the structure of other standards (mostly TMSA and SIRE 2.0), focusing on knowledge, competence and implementation ability, instead of paper work and procedural review. Master and crew on board should be familiar with the practices included in the RiSQ 3.0 guidance.
Actions required
Ship managers should thoroughly review the latest version of RiSQ 3.0 (February 2023) in order to understand the extend of the requirements and the best practices included. Training sessions on board should take place to familiarize officers and ratings on how to get through a RightShip inspection based on RiSQ 3.0. Additionally procedural requirements included in the RiSQ 3.0 (Policies, practices, new definitions etc) should be included in the SMS as part of each Company’s conformance with the new requirements.
You may also find further information on RiSQ 3.0 at SAFETY4SEA
How we may help
SQEMARINE can provide guidance and an effective gap analysis on existing practices and SMS in order to be revised and cover the requirements of RiSQ 3.0.
See also our related products
Appendix A: Latest Revision items on RiSQ February 2023 edition (RiSQ 3.0)
| Version Number | Section | Question | Revision Description | Revision Date |
| 3 | Introduction to RISQ- Vessel’s Manager | N/A | A new section named “Engaging with the inspector-Code of conduct” was included to reflect the expectations of the Rightship. | 28 Feb 2023 |
| 3 | All sections | Updates were made to the necessary questions and guidelines. | The word non-conformity was substituted with Finding in the document. | 28 Feb 2023 |
| 3 | 2 | 2.1 | Q 2.1 inspection guide updated. | 28 Feb 2023 |
| 3 | 3 | 3.3 | Q 3.3 inspection guide updated | 28 Feb 2023 |
| 3 | 3 | 3.12 | Q 3.12 inspection guide updated. | 28 Feb 2023 |
| 3 | 4 | 4.5 | Q 4.5 inspection guide updated. | 28 Feb 2023 |
| 3 | 4 | 4.7 | Q 4.7 inspection guide updated. | 28 Feb 2023 |
| 3 | 4 | 4.10 | Q 4.10 inspection guide updated. | 28 Feb 2023 |
| 3 | 4 | 4.30 | The question was revised, and the inspection guide was updated. | 28 Feb 2023 |
| 3 | 8A | 8A.18 | Q 8A.18 inspection guide updated. | 28 Feb 2023 |
| 3 | 8B | 8B.25 | The question was revised. | 28 Feb 2023 |
| 3 | 9A | 9A.20 | Q9A.20 inspection guide updated. | 28 Feb 2023 |
| 3 | 10 | 10.23 | The question was revised, and the inspection guide was updated. | 28 Feb 2023 |
| 3 | 12 | 12.7 | The question was revised, and the inspection guide was updated. | 28 Feb 2023 |
| 3 | 13 | 13.28 | For Q13.28, an inspection guide added. | 28 Feb 2023 |
| 3 | 14 | 14.1 | Q 14.1 inspection guide updated. | 28 Feb 2023 |
| 3 | 14 | 14.10 | Q14.10 inspection guide updated. | 28 Feb 2023 |
| 3 | 14 | 14.12 | The question was revised. | 28 Feb 2023 |
| 3 | 15 | 15.1 | Q15.1 inspection guide updated. | 28 Feb 2023 |
| 3 | 15 | 15.5 | Q15.5 inspection guide updated. | 28 Feb 2023 |
| 3 | 15 | 15.13 | A new question and guidelines related to asbestos included. | 28 Feb 2023 |
| 3 | 15 | 15.14 | Q2.16 moved to Section 15 and numbered as Q15.14. | 28 Feb 2023 |
| 3 | 16 | Section 16 application | The guideline that defines when section 16 applies to a vessel was updated. | 28 Feb 2023 |
