Can hull surveys be performed remotely?

摘要

Through periodic surveys, classification societies' surveyors verify that appropriate condition of the ship, its components and systems is maintained. A main portion of surveyor's activities on board is related to physically accessing tanks and compartments for assessing hull condition, i.e. overall and close-up visual inspections as well as evaluating thickness measurements. Internal examination of ballast tanks and cargo holds requires extensive preparation for physical entry: emptying the tanks, cleaning the structure, gas freeing and maintaining continuous ventilation, and installing sufficient access means such as scaffolds.