Thome’s successful remote audits
(Posted on 06/05/20)
The Thome Group has successfully undergone a series of remote audits with DNV GL in various locations due to the widespread lockdown restrictions across the globe.
Thome Mumbai office’s annual ISO 9001:2015 audit was performed online using video conferencing software which enabled document sharing and discussions to take place to verify that all requirements had been met. This was the first remote inspection that Thome had carried out and, because of its successful conclusion, it encouraged the Group to use the digital option for other audits as well.
So, when the annual Document of Compliance (DOC) surveys were due for Thome Ship Management, Thome Shipping and Thome Offshore Management, the remote option was the obvious choice.
DNV GL in Singapore co-ordinated the audits with relevant Thome personnel in each of the aforementioned companies and the Hong Kong, Liberia and Marshall Islands Flags also had representatives present to remotely witness the audit. This is currently the largest remote annual DOC audit performed by DNV GL´s Singapore office.
Taking the lessons learnt from the above audits, Thome decided to develop its own remote vessel internal audit procedures to ensure its managed vessels were not only compliant under ISM Ch.12.1 requirements, but also, to ensure that its management systems were verified to be effectively implemented, despite the COVID-19 restrictions.
Thanks to the efforts of Thome’s Quality Assurance, Marine & Safety and IT departments along with co-operation from one of Thome’s managed vessels, methods such as teleconferencing, screen sharing to demonstrate usage of onboard systems and documents and sharing of photos and videos to verify the physical condition onboard, were all employed to complete a successful audit which has meant that remote internal auditing is now being rolled out to the entire fleet.
“I am really pleased how our teams both onboard and in our offices, have worked with our class and flag partners to find ways to share information remotely to allow surveys and audits to take place during the lockdown restrictions. All parties have taken a very pragmatic and practical approach to satisfy regulatory requirements using digital technology. I think that once lockdown restrictions are eased, we may see the continuation of remote audits and inspections as they are proving to be an efficient use of everyone’s time and energy which is advantageous for everyone concerned,” said Claes Eek Thorstensen, Thome Group’s President and CCO.
Latest News
DNV and RSI complete study on decarbonising short sea dry bulk fleet
(Posted on 07/08/25)Amid increasing pressure on shipping to achieve the IMO 2050 decarbonization targets, the Responsible... Read more
London P&I Club warns industry over incorrect FIBC loading
(Posted on 04/08/25)The London P&I Club has renewed calls on ship owners, operators and charterers to address potential... Read more
Columbia Group calls for overhaul of maritime training
(Posted on 04/08/25)Columbia Group is calling for urgent reforms in maritime education to address a growing shortage of... Read more
MIS launches as new global media platform
(Posted on 30/07/25)Maritime Information Services (MIS) has officially launched as a global media platform delivering daily... Read more
Russian and Ukrainian seafarers continue struggle with psychiatric fallout of war
(Posted on 30/07/25)Russian and Ukrainian seafarers continue to experience significant psychological strain following the... Read more
Noatum expands global footprint with inauguration of Shanghai office
(Posted on 30/07/25)Noatum Maritime, part of AD Ports Group’s Maritime & Shipping Cluster, announced the official... Read more
Smart Ship Hub emission reporting first through Asiatic Lloyd partnership
(Posted on 21/07/25)Leading vessel optimisation platform Smart Ship Hub has announced its partnership with AL Group &ndash... Read more
KR Representative LEE Jungkun Elected Chair of IACS Safety Panel
(Posted on 21/07/25)KR (Korean Register) has announced that LEE Jungkun, General Manager of KR’s Convention &... Read more
INTERCARGO-member fleets outperform on safety and compliance
(Posted on 17/07/25)Dry bulk carriers entered with the International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) continue... Read more
NEMO strengthens global role with official status from IMO and IAEA
(Posted on 15/07/25)The Nuclear Energy Maritime Organization (NEMO) is proud to announce that it has officially been granted... Read more
