OCIMF Released Rev 1.1 to VIQ 6 on 16th March 2015 and has been put in use since then, below are some important points highlighted from the revised VIQ.
1. Section 4 of VIQ now restricts inspectors to 3 hrs for documentation checks including compiling of the observation list and close out meeting. Apparently the opening meeting doesn’t fall under this 3 hrs.
2. Q 3.10: In case junior officers are not holding flag state endorsement for dangerous cargo then inspector will record in the comment but should not be an observation in case advanced training certificate is available.
3. Q 4.12: Guidance note clearly mentions that BNWAS shall be kept ON while vessel is at ANCHOR.
4. Q 4.25: Amended guidance note requires AIR DRAFT to be MARKED on the CHART when passing under bridges/power lines/cable cars
5. Q 5.6: Guidance note to Record last three incidents and/or accidents reported on the vessel over the last 24 month period has been REMOVED.
6. Q 5.52: FFA maintenance requirement changed from MSC/Circ. 1432 from MSC/Circ.850.
7. Q 6.23: Requirement added that the vent heads should be clearly labelled to indicate the space that they serve for bunker/lub oil tanks.
8. Q 6.30: Requirement to have CLASS approved plan has been removed. “Class Approved” has been replaced by “approved”.
9. Q 7.7: Requirement for cargo tank inspection on oil/chemical tanker changed from 2.5 Years to 2.5+/- 6 Months. This is with intention of harmonising it with the class survey.
10. Q 8.16: Guidance note now requires that Vessel should be able to demonstrate that an independent check of the cargo line up including venting was carried out prior the start of the cargo operation.
11. Q 8.83 (Pet): Requirement to have 100% spare hydraulic hose eased to 50% in case the cargo hose handling crane has two or more hoses that are identical in all aspects, then only 50% of these identical hoses need to be carried as spares.

(Above is not exhaustive list of changes but only significant ones are listed. Please get in touch with us for our consultancy services for improvement of fleet performance during such inspection.)