SQE MARINE has issued a circular to inform that RightShip has released the revised questionnaire for onboard inspections, titled RiSQ 3.2. The new questionnaire will apply to RightShip Inspections from 1 February onwards.
As the questionnaire includes several changes across sections and questions, ship owners and managers are required to review their Safety Management System to incorporate the new requirements and ensure that Masters and crew are fully supported for a smooth RightShip Inspection.
RightShip’s RISQ 3.2 update marks a significant shift in vessel inspections. While the framework remains familiar, its application has evolved—fewer questions, more focused assessments, clearer expectations, and reduced time onboard mean that preparation is no longer just a last-minute task, but an ongoing operational practice.
Key highlights
- The main chapters’ numbering (1 to 17) remained unchanged.
- Within the questionnaire additional guidance was provided, increasing the page number of the document from 210 to 235 (without supportive Annexes)
- A new sub section incorporated in Chapter 8 (Cargo Operations), under subtitle 8F: Cargo Operation – Heavy Lift Vessel
- Section 6 – Ship Structure remained without changes.
- A number of 17 new items incorporated, mostly for inspectors’ guidance.
- A number of 42 questions were deleted. However, most of deleted items have incorporated in other question numbers within the questionnaire.
- Focus has been made to enclosed spaces (with the implementation of IMO MSC 581). A total number of four (4) pages within the questionnaire refers to enclosed spaces.
- An important highlight is the incorporation of Stop Work Authority Policy to be incorporated within SMS.
- The superintendent’s inspections were set to be performed every 6 months (and not exceeding 7). A specification has been introduced that Senior Management visits on board can not be considered as technical visits (similarly to Superintendents inspections).
Overall, the analysis of recent inspection trends shows that operational risks tend to recur in certain key areas, including enclosed space procedures, pilot transfer and ladder arrangements, mooring and deck operations, machinery spaces, lifesaving equipment, and cargo handling systems. RISQ 3.2 addresses these high-risk areas by setting clearer expectations for crew competence and vessel readiness, aligning inspection focus with the patterns of incidents most commonly observed in the industry
RISQ – the RightShip Inspection Ship Questionnaire – is the go-to standard for bulk carriers, general cargo, container, and roll-on/roll-off ships. It helps ship managers get vessels inspection-ready while guiding inspectors to assess ships and crews consistently and accurately. Implementing RISQ improves Port State Inspection outcomes and reduces incidents, making shipping safer and more efficient.
