RISQ 3.2 Bulk Carrier Vetting Inspection Training - Free Information Module

An unsuccessful RISQ inspection can create significant problems. Findings can affect a ship’s safety score, trigger more frequent inspections, add administrative burden and ultimately, influence vetting decisions and charter opportunities.

RightShip's Inspection Ship Questionnaire, now at version 3.2, is the recognised dry bulk inspection standard. With approximately 350 items drawn from IMO, ILO, ISO, ICS and industry codes of practice, it assesses ship condition, crew competence and how well the safety management system works in practice.

Version 3.2 also includes a revised assessment framework. Since 17th June 2026, ‘show-stopper’ findings no longer automatically render an inspection unacceptable. Every finding is now assessed in terms of risk: low medium or high. This change, alongside a stronger emphasis on crew competence and evidence based verification, means crews who prepared for earlier versions of RISQ must now familiarise themselves with the latest requirements.

The module guides officers and shore personnel through the revised questionnaire section by section, so the ship can demonstrate compliance rather than simply claim it.

• Masters, deck officers and engineers serving on bulk carriers
• safety officers responsible for onboard records and inspection evidence
• marine and technical superintendents preparing ships for vetting
• HSEQ, vetting and fleet managers who need consistent RISQ readiness across their ships

The module assumes working knowledge of bulk carrier operations. No prior RISQ experience is needed.

• Self-paced slides delivered via Witherby Connect
• Links to recommended onboard records and reference publications that support inspections
• Duration: 30 minutes
• Assessment: none

Witherby Connect is a browser-based platform that provides streamlined access to industry publications and training courses. The hybrid software requires no installation, and once content is saved to the browser cache, it can be accessed almost instantly—both online and offline.

The free eLearning module can be accessed instantly from your Witherby Connect account via the homepage or under the new 'eLearning' tab in the left-hand menu. If you are new to Connect, please contact sales@witherbys.com to create your account.

Does the module cover the changes introduced in RISQ version 3.2?

Yes. It covers the revised inspection framework, the removal of automatic ‘show-stopper’ outcomes, the risk severity assessment of findings, the STS Unit Questionnaire and the strengthened evidence expectations across safety management, environmental protection and cargo operations.

Is it suitable for officers who have prepared for earlier RISQ versions?

Yes. The module highlights what has changed from previous versions, so experienced officers can focus on the new and revised requirements.

Does it replace the questionnaire itself?

No. The module explains what inspectors check and why. The questionnaire remains the authoritative document, and the module links to the official RightShip download.

The module highlights the key updates to the RISQ 3.2 questionnaire:

• The RISQ Inspection Framework
  • What RISQ 3.2 is and why it changed
  • the three inspection types
  • the difference between statutory requirements, questionnaire findings and the ship’s SMS commitments. Differentiating between these clarifies what the ship can be penalised for during inspection
• Safety Management, Crewing and Navigation
  • Superintendent inspection schedules
  • safety officer's documented activities
  • meaningful Master's reviews
  • ship handling training evidence
  • drug and alcohol testing records
  • ECDIS familiarisation on the installed system
  • BNWAS procedures that are practised, not just written down
• Environmental Protection
  • CII ratings and corrective action plans
  • SEEMP Part III audits
  • EGCS malfunction reporting
  • ballast water treatment system maintenance and alarms
  • strengthened oily water separator requirements
• Preparing for the Inspection
  • A practical two-phase preparation approach the crew can follow before every RISQ inspection.