(www.MaritimeCyprus.com) The Rightship RISQ is a detailed, standardised questionnaire used by RightShip-accredited inspectors to conduct on-board assessments of vessels, primarily dry bulk carriers, general cargo ships, and container ships. It serves as a critical due diligence tool for charterers, terminal operators, and financiers.
Its purpose is to independently verify the operational condition of a vessel and the effectiveness of its Safety Management System (SMS).
Scope: The inspection covers a broad range of items, including safety, environmental protection, structural integrity, maintenance, and crew competency. It incorporates best practices from numerous international bodies (IMO, ISO, OCIMF, P&I Clubs, etc.).
Outcome: The results of a RISQ inspection are a primary input into the RightShip Safety Score and significantly influence a vessel's marketability and acceptance for high-value charters.
Historical Evolution of RISQ Versions
The RISQ document undergoes periodic revisions to align with evolving industry risks, regulatory changes, and stakeholder feedback. The shift to the 3.x series marked a significant expansion in scope and focus:
RISQ 1.0 (Legacy): The original, paper-based questionnaire with a more limited scope.
RISQ 2.0: Introduced a tablet-based format and expanded the scope to roughly 230 questions, focusing on more specific guidance for inspectors.
RISQ 3.0 (Implemented June 2023): This was a major overhaul, expanding the questionnaire to over 300 questions across 16 detailed chapters.
RISQ 3.1 (Current Version): This version incorporates clarifications and refinements based on early industry feedback from the RISQ 3.0 rollout. It includes updated protocols, particularly for areas like hatch cover operations and pilot ladder safety, ensuring alignment with the latest industry standards.
The Next Step: Anticipating RISQ 3.2
While RISQ 3.1 is the currently enforced version, RightShip has continually solicited feedback and planned future updates. The subsequent version, RISQ 3.2 (or a similar minor revision), is expected to build upon the established framework of 3.x.
These upcoming changes typically focus on two main areas: further refining existing questions for greater clarity and incorporating the latest maritime safety recommendations. Examples of minor refinements that may be introduced or adjusted in RISQ 3.2 based on industry discussions include clearer guidance on:
- Master's Standing Orders: Providing specifics on critical operational procedures (e.g., bridge resource management, under-keel clearance).
- Fire and Safety Rounds: Clarifying procedures to prevent using bridge lookouts for fire rounds, a topic of frequent industry debate.
- Maintenance Systems: Adjustments to ensure Planned Maintenance Systems (PMS) accurately cover all critical equipment, such as Air Handling Units (AHU).
To help owners and managers prepare proactively, RightShip often releases a document detailing all proposed changes and amendments well ahead of the implementation date. We strongly recommend that readers download the proposed changes to the RightShip Inspection Ship Questionnaire to begin their SMS review and crew training immediately.
The major changes and details of RISQ Ver. 3.2 can be downloaded below:
Source: RightShip
