Remote Inspection Techniques

Remote survey is a separate process of verifying compliance with applicable ABS Rules and statutory requirements where the survey is undertaken or partially undertaken without physical presence by the ABS surveyor. This applies only to specific survey types wherein the operator must collect and submit evidence for ABS to review. This can include documentation, videos of conducted tests and may consist of a livestream to properly credit certain verification points. For further information, please visit ABS Remote Survey.

Remote inspection techniques utilize a combination of a platform (most commonly specialists or robotics), payload and process to provide the attending surveyor with remote access to areas for inspection. These areas are typically hazardous areas, like confined spaces and/or tanks.

In contrast to remote surveys, which address the non-physical presence of a surveyor during the execution of select surveys, RITs are more focused on providing surveyors with a method of remotely accessing spaces for inspection within the scope of a survey, regardless of physical or non-physical presence.

No, ABS does not certify or endorse any robotic solution. ABS only certifies the service suppliers utilizing robotic solutions. The RIT Certificate will list which platforms, survey tasks and asset types the service supplier can operate.

During the typical survey request process, clients can also submit a request for the use of RIT to their local ABS port office. Any RIT service supplier utilized must be approved by ABS. The asset owner and service supplier must develop an inspection plan detailing how the RIT will be used and submit it to ABS for approval.  

Multiple platforms can be used to execute a remote inspection. This may be preferable, as certain survey activities may be better suited for specific platform types depending on the inspection environment. This should be considered during the creation of an inspection plan, and the selected service supplier(s) should have all proper ABS certifications to execute their assigned survey tasks.

During the development of the survey plan for an asset, structure or compartment, such as a hold or tank, an owner or operator may wish to consider using RIT for either part of or the entire inspection process.

• First, the owner/operator should review the examinations required by the ABS Rules and Regulations for the expected scope and the known conditions of the asset or compartment. Items that may need to be considered may be pre-existing conditions, such as substantial corrosion or other damage, coating conditions, tank cleanliness, etc.
• Then the owner/operator will review the capabilities of the RIT service supplier that is being considered. This should include the ABS Service Supplier Certificate to confirm that the methodology is approved for the planned scope and conditions. An owner/operator may need to consider one or more RIT service suppliers to complete the examination.
• After determining an approach and selecting a service supplier, the owner/operator should contact the ABS port office where the RIT is planned to be carried out to discuss and review the intended process. The proposed survey plan and service supplier should be provided to the ABS port office for consideration and comments.

You can find the process and more information on the ABS Service Suppliers webpage.