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Home › Dry Dock › Remote Inspection Techniques (RIT): Drone and ROV Inspections
Operational guide · Operational procedure

Remote Inspection Techniques (RIT): Drone and ROV Inspections

RIT brings images and, where included, measurements to the surveyor from hard-to-reach parts of the structure. Understanding whether the result is usable means linking the activity, system capability, position and coverage to the required examination and its acceptance.

RITdroneROVremote inspection

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.

The platform is a means of access; the evidence depends on what it carries and makes readable. A drone carrying a camera can show a surface; thickness measurement requires instruments, operators and approvals suited to that measurement. A useful image allows the structural item to be identified, the finding to be located and the area actually examined to be understood.

Element to distinguishOperational meaning
Access and sensorThe vehicle reaches the area; the camera or instrument collects different evidence.
Quality and coverageLighting, view and obstructions determine which details are readable; unseen areas remain to be completed.
Position and dataShip, compartment and item must be linked to images and measurements so that a finding can be relocated.
Report and outcomeThe supplier documents the work; the surveyor verifies the evidence within the survey scope.

UR Z17, annex1 §§16.1 and 16.7–16.10.

Regulatory Reference

IACS UR Z17 governs supplier approval within its scope; UR Z29 governs remote classification surveys. Read these unified requirements in the Society’s Rules, distinguishing class services from statutory services performed for the flag. On 13 October 2026 the Z17 catalogue identifies Rev.21 as current, Rev.22 from 1 January 2027 and Rev.23 from 1 January 2028. IACS, Z17 versions; UR Z29, §§1–3.1.

The ESP amendments on RIT were adopted in 2026 and enter into force on 1 January 2028. Adoption is not general authorization for surveys in 2026. IMO, MSC111 — ESP/RIT.

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

Preparing the work means aligning the plan, people, conditions in the area and expected data. Identify who operates the system, who directs it during examination and who documents uncovered areas; check supplier procedures, communication and arrangements for safe work. Using a remote vehicle does not automatically make access or equipment use in the area safe. UR Z17, §§5.1 and 5.2, annex 1 §16.8; UR Z29, §§2.3 and 4.1.

  1. Define the survey, structures and whether the surveyor will attend on board.
  2. Check activity-specific supplier approval and certificate validity, including transition rules.
  3. Agree method, coverage, limitations and conditions beforehand with class and flag where applicable.
  4. For thickness measurements also check specific approval and qualifications; for IWS check the applicable underwater-survey regime.
  5. Agree position references, image quality and data recording.
  6. 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.

Before closing the item, the area must be identifiable in the drawing and records. The report states what was readable, which surfaces remained hidden and what follow-up the surveyor requested. Delivering footage and achieving accepted survey completion are separate steps.

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

MistakeConsequence / prevention
Lose the finding locationThe image cannot support relocation and verification of the defect; link the file, compartment and structural item.
Use video as a thickness measurementMaterial loss remains unquantified; arrange required measurements with suitable instruments and approvals.
Extend a certificate to every activityPart of the service may be outside its scope; check scope, limitations and validity for RIT, IWS and TM.
Close an item with areas not examinedCoverage remains incomplete; record excluded areas and completion agreed with the surveyor.

What the PSCO Checks

Check survey status, reports and limitations, open findings and consistency with ship condition. Supplier footage alone does not demonstrate completion and acceptance of the survey by class or the authorised organisation.

Operational Tips

Preparation checklist

FAQ

Does one RIT approval cover every activity?
No. Separately check close-up examination, underwater survey, thickness measurement and remote survey.
Which Z17 revision is current on 13 October 2026?
Rev.21. Rev.22 and Rev.23 apply in future from 1 January 2027 and 1 January 2028 respectively.
Does a drone remove the need for a surveyor on board?
Not automatically. A survey without attendance follows a separate eligibility and acceptance process.
Does a complete video prove that all structures were examined?
Video duration does not demonstrate coverage. Identifiable locations, sufficient quality, covered and excluded areas and the surveyor’s assessment of the required scope are needed.

Related Topics

Cargo Hold Survey for Bulk Carriers (ESP)Bottom Survey and In-Water Survey (IWS)

Certified substantive revision: 13 October 2026 · page fingerprint 7bf865de0a2e