Published 9 July 2020
Further to information note IMCA M 01/20 – Marine and DP assurance – IMCA advice during ongoing COVID-19 situation, the temporary validity extension of eCMID/eMISW inspections ends in July.
IMCA has closely monitored the vessel inspection levels over the past few months and can see that they have returned to pre-COVID-19 lockdown levels.
The table below shows the number of inspections and inspection type globally for the first half of 2020:
| Month | Total Inspections | eCMID | eMISW |
| June 2020 | 126 | 68 | 58 |
| May 2020 | 92 | 40 | 52 |
| April 2020 | 73 | 35 | 38 |
| March 2020 | 172 | 64 | 108 |
| February 2020 | 148 | 79 | 69 |
| January 2020 | 122 | 61 | 61 |
The statistics for the first part of July 2020 continue with a positive trend.
As such, all vessel inspections with extended validity will become invalid on 24 July 2020.
While lockdown has eased in most areas where the eCMID/eMISW inspections commonly take place, there remain locations where access to vessels for inspection purposes remains prohibited. IMCA will therefore consider on a case-by-case basis individual vessel inspection validity extension requests. These extensions may only be granted provided requests are supported with sufficient evidence and they will be granted at the full discretion of IMCA.
Anyone requiring further information or assistance should contact the eCMID Helpdesk.
The accredited vessel inspector (AVI) scheme remains open and is fully functioning. The Marine Surveying Academy is now delivering AVI courses in an online format, and monthly courses have been scheduled until the end of 2020, offering flexible times to ensure people from around the world can attend. Full details and dates of forthcoming courses can be found at ecmidvesselinspectors.com.
IMCA will continue to monitor events over the coming months and may update guidance thereafter.
The above information was published as information note IMCA M 14/20.