MPA using drones for ship surveys
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) is working on an acceptance criteria for the use of remote inspection techniques in ship surveys, including aerial drones and ship inspecting robots. Trial runs have already been undertaken, according to MPA’s chief executive Andrew Tan.
“Such methods of remote inspection are safer because marine surveyors do not have to put themselves in precarious positions onboard the ship to conduct inspections,” Tan said at a conference in Singapore today. “The use of drones also reduces man hours and costs for ship owners – it is a win-win situation for all.”
Tan said Singapore’s registry needed to stay at the forefront of tech changes to deliver novel solutions to clients.
“IoT, digitalisation and new technologies such as blockchain and smart drones are changing the way we work. To stay ahead, the Singapore Registry of Ships needs to embrace these technologies to offer value-added services to its customer,” Tan said.
This sounds interesting. I’d welcome the opportunity to not ever enter a duct keel again. My only reservation would be the reduction of sensitivity. Most of the things of significance that I have found in difficult to access locations on board were not the things I was inspecting. The use of all my senses, and that human ability to spot something that does not fit the pattern, is key to success.
So, open minded about technology and healthily sceptical about the consequences. If there’s one thing I’ve learned about technological transfer it’s the inevitable discovery of Unintended Consequences.