Towards an International Guideline for RIT End-Users: Spearing Through Vessel Inspection and Hull Cleaning Techno-Regulatory Elements

State-of-the-art remote inspection techniques (RIT), namely unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and magnetic crawlers are the resultants of a cascade of technological innovation. RIT usage has gathered momentum since classification societies turned to manuals alternatives during COVID-19 pandemic. Capable of gathering complex data through real-time visual imagery, it is claimed that RIT has the potential to deliver inspection services more safely and efficiently, thus enabling the transformative digitalization of the “ship survey” landscape. The paradigm shift has begun. In this scope, the multi-robot (ship-hull) survey platforms explored by classification societies and service suppliers have the potential to alter the manner in which massive structures are currently being inspected and maintained. This change will eventually improve shipping competitiveness, thus, paving the way for better and safer regulations and standards. Notwithstanding, the current framework derived from international common minimum standards, while noteworthy and creditable, continues to facilitate a number of thorny issues that could arise post-deployment of available techniques. This chapter highlights crucial elements that could altogether serve as a pathway forward against incidental issues acting as market growth barriers resulting in an unwanted impasse in this paradigm shift. This chapter derives from research conducted under the European Union (EU) Horizon 2020 funded project titled Autonomous Robotic Inspection and Maintenance on Ship Hulls (BUG-WRIGHT2) under grant agreement No. 871260.