Deutsch: Technische Überprüfung / Español: Inspección
An inspection is, most generally, an organized examination or formal evaluation exercise. In engineering activities inspection involves the measurements, tests, and gauges applied to certain characteristics in regard to an object or activity. The results are usually compared to specified requirements and standards for determining whether the item or activity is in line with these targets. Inspections are usually non-destructive.
In the maritime context, "inspection" refers to the process of checking and evaluating ships, their equipment, and their operations to ensure compliance with regulations and safety standards. Here are some examples:
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Port State Control Inspection: This is an inspection carried out by the authorities of a port to ensure that visiting ships comply with international maritime regulations, such as safety, security, and environmental standards.
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Flag State Inspection: This is an inspection carried out by the authorities of the country where the ship is registered (flag state) to ensure that the ship complies with its national regulations and international conventions.
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Class Society Inspection: This is an inspection carried out by a classification society, which is an independent organization that assesses the seaworthiness of ships and issues classification certificates.
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Cargo Inspection: This is an inspection of the cargo carried on board a ship to ensure that it is properly stowed, secured, and labeled, and that it complies with the relevant regulations and safety standards.
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Safety Equipment Inspection: This is an inspection of the safety equipment on board a ship, such as lifeboats, liferafts, fire extinguishers, and other safety devices, to ensure that they are in good condition and working properly.
Other similar things to "Inspection" in the maritime context might include:
- Audits: Audits are a more comprehensive review of a ship's operations and management systems, and may include inspections of safety, environmental, and quality management systems.
- Surveys: Surveys are a more in-depth inspection of a ship's hull, machinery, and equipment, and are often carried out by specialized surveyors, such as marine surveyors or naval architects.
- Certifications: Certifications are issued to ships that have passed inspections or surveys and have been found to comply with relevant regulations and safety standards.
- Investigations: Investigations are carried out in the event of an accident or incident at sea to determine the causes and contributing factors, and to identify ways to prevent similar incidents in the future.