Classification societies are issuing temporary survey certificates or extensions based on inspections using remote technology, as coronavirus problems prevent surveyors from boarding ships and yard delays force dry-dockings to be rescheduled.

Growing numbers of ships are running late on renewal of their inspection-based statutory class and flag state certification because of Covid-19-related logistical problems.

This potentially puts them at risk of port state control detention and falling out of their conditions of trade and insurance.