A guide to offshore inspections of electrical equipment using mobile devices and AI

By Naaman Shibi, Pervidi

Electrical equipment inspections form the foundation of safe operations in offshore environments. Ensuring compliance with standards, such as IEC 60079, requires a systematic and reliable approach, especially when managing explosive atmospheres or isolated installations.

Traditional inspection methods often rely on clipboards, manual reports and paper forms. These introduce delays, increase the risk of errors and complicate traceability. With the evolution of mobile technology and artificial intelligence (AI), a growing number of offshore operators are rethinking how inspections are performed, recorded and actioned.

Offshore inspection challenge 

Offshore installations are complex and operate under extreme conditions. Inspections of electrical and Ex-rated equipment must account for corrosion, salt exposure, vibration, temperature extremes and restricted access. Conducting these inspections accurately and efficiently becomes difficult when using outdated tools.

Common issues include: 

• Paper-based records that are hard to interpret, retrieve or use for audit trails; 
• Inconsistent or missing photo evidence to support findings; 
• Delays in initiating corrective actions or follow-ups; 
• Duplicate data entry into systems like CMMS, EAM or ERP; and
• Lack of standardization across shifts, teams or locations. 

These challenges lead to reduced visibility, non-compliance risks and higher maintenance costs across the asset life cycle.

Using mobile devices in hazardous areas

Mobile inspection solutions now enable technicians to complete inspections using intrinsically safe tablets or smartphones, even in Zone 1 or Zone 2 areas. These solutions operate fully offline and are configured to support real-world tasks directly at the point of inspection.

Capabilities include:

• Step-by-step digital checklists aligned with IEC, ISO or OEM standards;
• Photo capture with automatic timestamp, GPS location and inspector annotations;
• Voice recording that converts speech into structured notes;
• In-field validation of readings, tags or Ex markings; and
• Real-time assignment and tracking of corrective actions. 

This leads to faster inspections, fewer omissions and richer data that supports better decisions. 

Introducing AI into the inspection workflow

AI extends mobile inspection platforms by helping interpret, score and connect data. Rather than just digitizing checklists, AI transforms inspections into decision support tools.

Examples of AI capabilities include: 

• Voice-to-text transcription that streamlines input and ensures clarity across reports; 
• Image recognition that highlights defects like rust, missing labels, improper gland fittings or overheating;
• Automated compliance reporting and scoring based on rule sets linked to standards or equipment type;
• Identification of recurring issues or degradation trends over time; and
• Predictive alerts suggesting maintenance windows before failure occurs. 

These features reduce inspector workload and enable supervisors to focus on high-priority risks.

Integration and actionability