Surveys

BIMCO is seeking members’ input on whether ships are experiencing, or have experienced, difficulties in carrying out mandatory safety drills, safety-related maintenance, testing or other safety-related activities while alongside or at anchorage. 

As fatigue, work and rest hours and crewing are being considered in ongoing IMO discussions, it is important that BIMCO can draw on balanced evidence from ship operators. By responding, you can help ensure that operational realities are reflected in BIMCO’s work and engagement in these discussions.

The survey aims to capture how crewing levels, workload, rest hour compliance, recording practices and compliance monitoring are managed across different ship types, trades and operational patterns. It does not seek to prejudge whether existing arrangements are adequate or inadequate, but to understand both where current arrangements work well and where practical challenges may arise.

Are you one of the growing number of companies who have successfully adopted eBLs? Are you willing to share your experiences? If you are, BIMCO and the FIT Alliance wants to showcase the lessons learned along the way.

To support this, we are launching a survey to collect real-world eBL experiences to be shared with those contemplating going digital.

The experiences we gather will cover:

• How companies approached implementation
• How quickly adoption was achieved
• What benefits were realised.

By sharing practical experiences and insights, the goal is to help the industry better understand what successful eBL adoption looks like in practice — and how others can accelerate their own journey.

If you have implemented eBLs and would like to contribute your experiences, click here: 

We are conducting a global survey to map the availability of in‑water cleaning and in‑water inspection services across ports worldwide.

Input from service providers is essential to ensure that this picture is accurate, practical, and reflects realities on the ground. By responding, providers help demonstrate where services are already available, where capacity exists, and where barriers remain. The results of this survey will be used by BIMCO as we enter into the developmental phase of a legally-binding framework for biofouling management to support that practical, proportionate approaches that recognise both environmental protection and operational realities are considered. Responses will be aggregated and used to support industry dialogue.

This survey is intended for in-water cleaning and inspection service providers from those providing autonomous and robotic systems through to individual divers or inspectors. Questions marked with an * are mandatory with all other questions voluntary. Please complete the voluntary questions to the best of your knowledge. If you believe there is a more appropriate person/department in your company to answer this questionnaire, please forward the link to them, or please send us their contact details (marinesurveys@bimco.org).

This survey should take approximately 10 minutes to complete. This survey will close on 24 October 2026. Should you need assistance completing the survey, please contact marinesurveys@bimco.org.

We are seeking your help to better understand in-water cleaning and biofouling inspection availability in ports.

This survey is aimed at:

• Port agents who are often the first to know whether in‑water cleaning of ships is available in a port and who can provide it
• Port representatives who often know the details on how services can be provided and when. 

This survey is designed to capture real‑world knowledge so that future IMO regulation on biofouling and in‑water cleaning reflects what is operationally feasible for both shipowners but also for ports.

The information you provide will be used to highlight gaps in availability, avoid unrealistic requirements, and ensure ports and agents are not put under unnecessary pressure. Responses will be aggregated and used to support industry dialogue.

It is important that you answer on behalf of the company. Questions marked with an * are mandatory with all other questions voluntary. Please complete the voluntary questions to the best of your knowledge. If you believe there is a more appropriate person/department in your company to answer this questionnaire, please forward the link to them, or please send us their contact details (marinesurveys@bimco.org).

This survey should take approximately 10 minutes to complete depending on the level of information you are able to provide. This survey will close on 24 October 2026. Should you need assistance completing the survey or have any questions, please contact marinesurveys@bimco.org