A first impression is good, but a lasting impression is better!

As soon as we know a third-party inspection is scheduled, we often hear senior management and officers discussing how to create that first impression. Indeed, a good first impression is desirable; however, as a cohesive unit, we need to make this impression last.

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First impressions are crucial because they form the initial judgment and perception in the inspector's mind. This often sets the tone for the inspection and influences their attitude, behaviour, and interaction with the ship staff. According to a study, with a single look at the face for approximately 33 to 100 milliseconds, people already have enough information to form a first impression about a person. Therefore, it's almost like a universal agreement that the first impressions matter.

In ship inspections, the inspector starts assessing the vessel right from the jetty itself, looking at the cosmetic condition of the hull and accommodation, the funnel and the quality/colour of the exhaust, the flags hoisted, the condition of the anchor, mooring ropes, draft marks, load line marks, and, of course, the gangway and how it is rigged.

All inspectors are senior officers who have done several inspections and are quick to assess or form that first impression. However, that may not be the final impression; a lot depends on how the ship staff interact with him/her through the inspection and, of course, the vessel's readiness.

The assessment continues. As the inspector approaches the gangway, they observe the gangway procedures and how they are greeted.

A polite yet firm and confident welcome at the gangway and a well-dressed crew member who politely challenges the inspector and follows the onboarding process add to this first impression.

The inspector has made his way to the ship's office or the Master's cabin, as the case may be, and is now interacting with the Master and the other officers. Indeed, how the Master introduces himself, and the team matters; again, all this adds up to the first impression.

At the opening meeting, the inspector discusses the scope and how they plan to go about the inspection. They are very quick to assimilate how well the ship staff are ready for the meeting. Here is what the inspector observes: