Services
Weight Control by difference of draft(Draft Survey)
The most usual method of weighing for charging/discharging cargo in bulk from vessels is the calculation of weight by Draft Survey.
The draft of a vessel would be the distance between the keel and the waterline, that is, the part of the vessel that is submerged under water.
By calculating the mean draft of the vessel, using its hydrostatic tables and applying a series of corrections to these operations, the weight of the vessel at any given moment can be determined. The weight of the vessel must be calculated at the beginning and end of the charging/discharging.
The difference between these two weights determines the weight of the cargo loaded or unloaded.
This method is mainly used to determine the weight of solid cargo in bulk, especially, Cement, Clinker, Coal, Grain, Phosphates, Soda, and Potash etc.
Certificate of sealing or unsealing the holds.
On charging certain types of cargo, a Hold Sealing Certificate is sometimes required in order to guarantee that the cargo will not be accessible during the voyage.
Seals are placed on the hatch covers and in all accesses to the holds.
Later, a Hold Sealing Certificate is issued.
On arrival at destination, the seals placed are then cut, the number and the location of each of them checked, and a Hold Unsealing Certificate is issued or the Hold Sealing Certificate is signed indicating that all is in accordance.
Test for water tightness of holds
The hose test or water tightness test is a test to verify that the hatch covers really protect the cargo of any possible entrance of water into the holds.
This test is carried out by applying water under pressure in the joints and loading holes of the hatch covers.
Once all the aforementioned elements have been blasted, the interior of the hold is accessed and it is checked if there has been any entry of water. Subsequently, the hatch covers are opened and all the elements, covers, guides, rubbers, etc. are checked.
There are also other methods of verifying the water tightness of the holds, such as the use of ultrasound.
Inspection of opening of hatch covers.
The inspection of the opening of hatch covers is carried out in order to verify the condition of the cargo in the holds before discharging operations begin
This is carried out when there are doubts about the condition of the cargo due to accident voyage, bad weather, in case water has entered the hold or the cargo has been displaced.
On-Hire and Off-Hire Survey
The vessels are usually rented for specific periods or for voyages. Like all goods that are rented, its condition must be checked when the Rental Assignment Period begins or ends (Time Charter)
At the time of delivery or return, it is usual to inspect the general condition of the vessel, verifying all the essential parts, the quantity of fuel on board together with documents and permissions in force.
At the beginning of the Rental Period an On-hire Survey or an On-Hire Bunkers Survey is carried out and the current Delivery Certificate is issued.
At the end of the Rental Period an Off-hire Survey or an Off-Hire Bunkers Survey is carried out and the Re-Delivery Certificate is issued.
Bunkers Survey
The fuel calculation, Bunkers Survey, is usually carried out together with the On or Off-hire survey.
In order to calculate the quantity of fuel on board the vessel at any given time, all fuel tanks on the vessel must be probed and inspected.
All types of fuel on board must be distinguished and from the official tables of the fuel tanks together with the application of the corresponding corrections, the quantity of fuel on board at the time of the inspection is determined
Inspection of condition of vessel
When carrying out an On or Off-hire Survey, it can be complemented by a Condition Survey.
This inspection is much more complete and its object is to establish what the exact condition of the vessel is at the time of the inspection. During this inspection, it is usual to verify the condition of the holds, cranes, small machinery and more basic elements, or to be more exhaustive and detailed as possible, depending on the reason for the inspection.
This type of inspection can be carried out at the petition of Insurance Companies or P&I, before insuring a vessel.
Inspection of Fishing boats
Various types of inspections can be carried out on board fishing boats:
- Damage inspection due to damage occurred.
- Valuations for purchase/sale or to be insured.
- Follow-up of repairs.
Control of Lashing
All cargo to be transported should be duly secured either inside a container, on a Flat Rack, on an Open Top or simply inside a truck.
The lashing should prevent even the slightest displacement, so that the cargo cannot be damaged, neither damage its continent nor cause an accident on falling.
In the lashing control, it must be verified that the lashing complies with current regulations, depending on the type of transport, or the rules imposed by Shipping Companies.
The fastening elements, their position and the material used are inspected in order to minimise the risk of displacement, damage or accidents.
Inspection of Containers
- Certificate of stuffing of Containers.
Inspection to certify quantities and condition of the cargo that is stuffed in a Container. - Inspection of de-stuffing of Containers.
Inspection to certify quantities and condition of the cargo that is de-stuffed from the container. - Inspection of transfer to another Container.
Inspection carried out when a cargo must be transferred from one container to another for diverse reasons. It is generally certified that all de-stuffed from one container is stuffed in another container and that the condition of the cargo is correct. - Control of condition of Container.
Inspection carried out to certify the exact condition of a container at a given moment either on receiving it, delivering it, or before it is stuffed etc.
Inspection of Vehicles
One of the most transported goods are cars and vehicles, the nature of which means that they must be treated with the utmost care.
In each of the transport sections inspections are carried out, in order to detect damages and to define the responsibilities for the damages produced.
Control of charging/discharging operations of vessels
When charging/discharging cargo, a charging/discharging survey is usually carried out of same.
In these inspections, the condition of the cargo is usually verified on opening the hatch covers together with any possible damage which could be produced during charging/discharging operations of the vessel.
Also verified are the means and materials used, cranes, slings, shackles and separators, etc.in that they are adequate for avoiding accidents and damage both to people and the cargo.
Inspections of claims of goods in transport
This is one of the main functions of a claims Surveyor.
In the event of a claim for goods in transport, the Surveyor must:
- Establish the causes of the damage.
- Exactly assess the damages produced
- Minimize the damages by having the damages repaired or making a salvage sale to either a buyer of stocks or anybody interested in the goods in the actual damaged condition.