Remote Survey Guidance: Remote Survey, ISM Audits and ISPS Verifications

MSC-MEPC.5/Circ.17 subjects remote surveys, ISM audits and ISPS verifications to specific eligibility and approval; initial/renewal are not fully remote and remote ISPS is limited to extraordinary circumstances.

Operational Explanation

MSC-MEPC.5/Circ.17 subjects remote surveys, ISM audits and ISPS verifications to specific eligibility and approval; initial/renewal are not fully remote and remote ISPS is limited to extraordinary circumstances.

Regulatory Reference

Scope of Application

Survey, ISM audit and ISPS verification are distinct categories. Eligible portions of other periodical surveys do not replace attendance in two consecutive surveys.

Procedure / How to Complete It

1. Classify survey/audit/verification type.
2. Obtain eligibility assessment and authorisation before remote mode.
3. Maintain required in-person/on-board attendance and direct fallback.
4. For ISPS use remote in lieu of attendance only in extraordinary circumstances.
5. Handle recordings/evidence under approved plan, security, confidentiality and data protection.

Practical Example

An eligible annual-survey portion may be remote; renewal does not become fully remote and ISSC verification is not routine.

What Typically Goes Wrong

Choosing remote for convenience, promising routine remote ISSC, or imposing universal retention of recordings.

Common Mistakes Mistake Library

What the PSCO Checks

Operational Tips

• Separate current requirement, class/maker, SMS and voluntary guidance.
• Do not improvise tests, thresholds or intervals.
• Record deviations and corrective action.

Preparation checklist

• Type classified
• Eligibility approved
• No full remote initial/renewal
• No consecutive replacement
• ISPS extraordinary
• Data controls

FAQ

Related Topics

Last substantive revision of this page: 31 August 2026 · page fingerprint 53bf1a0f7d55