Services
Draft surveys
The draft survey is the most widely used method for determining the weight of bulk cargo loaded or discharged.
The draft is the vertical distance between the keel and the waterline, i.e. the depth to which the hull is immersed.
From the forward, midship and aft draft readings, the vessel’s hydrostatic tables and the relevant corrections (trim, hog or sag, and water density), the vessel’s displacement is obtained. After deducting the variable weights on board (ballast, fresh water and bunkers), the displacement is calculated at the start and at the end of operations.
The difference between the two gives the weight of cargo loaded or discharged.
The method is mainly used for dry bulk cargoes such as cement, clinker, coal, grain, phosphates, soda ash and potash.
Hold sealing and unsealing certificates
Certain cargoes require a hold sealing certificate to ensure that the cargo cannot be accessed during the voyage.
Numbered seals are fitted to the hatch covers and all hold access points, and a sealing certificate is issued.
On arrival at destination, the number and position of each seal are verified before it is cut, and either an unsealing certificate is issued or the sealing certificate is endorsed as being in order.
Hatch cover weathertightness tests (hose test)
The hose test verifies that the hatch covers protect the cargo against water ingress into the holds.
Water is directed under pressure at the hatch cover joints and closures.
The hold is then entered to check for any water ingress, and the hatch covers are opened to inspect their components: rubber packing, guides, wedges, cleats, etc.
Weathertightness can also be verified by ultrasonic testing.
Hatch opening surveys
The hatch opening survey establishes the condition of the cargo in the holds before discharge commences.
It is carried out when the condition of the cargo is in doubt, for example after heavy weather, suspected water ingress into the holds or cargo shifting.
On-hire and off-hire surveys
Vessels are usually chartered for a period of time (time charter) or for a voyage. Their condition must be established at the start and end of the charter.
On delivery and redelivery, the general condition of the vessel and its main components is inspected, together with the bunkers remaining on board and the validity of documents and certificates.
An on-hire survey (or on-hire bunker survey) is carried out at delivery and a delivery certificate is issued.
An off-hire survey (or off-hire bunker survey) is carried out at redelivery and a redelivery certificate is issued.
Bunker surveys
Bunker surveys are usually carried out together with on-hire or off-hire surveys.
To determine the bunkers on board at a given time, all fuel tanks are sounded and each grade of fuel is identified.
Using the tank sounding tables and applying corrections for trim, list, temperature and density, the quantity on board at the time of the survey is calculated.
Condition surveys
An on-hire or off-hire survey can be supplemented with a condition survey.
This is a more comprehensive inspection, intended to establish the exact condition of the vessel at the time of the survey.
Depending on its purpose, it may be limited to the holds, cranes, winches and main components, or be as thorough and detailed as required.
Condition surveys are also carried out at the request of insurers or P&I clubs before a vessel is entered for cover.
Fishing vessel surveys
Several types of survey can be carried out on board fishing vessels:
- Damage surveys following an incident.
- Valuations for sale and purchase or for insurance purposes.
- Repair monitoring.
Lashing and securing surveys
All cargo must be properly lashed and secured for transport, whether inside a container, on a flat rack, in an open top or on a truck.
Securing must prevent any movement, so that the cargo is not damaged, does not damage the cargo transport unit and does not cause accidents.
The survey checks that the securing arrangements comply with the regulations applicable to the mode of transport or with the carrier’s requirements.
Securing devices, their arrangement and the materials used are inspected in order to minimise the risk of shifting, damage or accidents.
Container surveys
Stuffing certificates. Survey to certify the quantity and condition of the cargo loaded into a container.
Unstuffing surveys. Survey to certify the quantity and condition of the cargo discharged from a container.
Container transfer surveys. When cargo has to be transferred from one container to another, we certify that everything removed from one is loaded into the other and that the cargo is in good order.
Container condition surveys. Survey to certify the exact condition of a container at a given time: on receipt, on delivery, before stuffing, etc.
Vehicle surveys
Cars and other vehicles are among the most frequently shipped goods and, by their nature, require particularly careful handling.
Surveys are carried out at each leg of the transport chain to detect damage and to establish liability for any damage sustained.
Loading and discharge supervision
We supervise loading and discharge operations on board vessels.
The condition of the cargo is checked when the hatches are opened, together with any damage that may occur during operations.
We also check that the cargo handling gear used (cranes, slings, shackles, spreaders, etc.) is suitable to prevent accidents and damage to persons or cargo.
Cargo claims surveys
This is one of the main roles of the cargo surveyor. Following a loss or damage to cargo in transit, the surveyor must:
- Establish the cause of the loss.
- Accurately assess the extent of the damage.
- Mitigate the loss, either by repairing the goods or by selling them as salvage to a buyer interested in the cargo in its current condition.