On-Hire / Off-Hire Bunker Survey: Accurate & Transparent Verification
On-Hire and Off-Hire Bunker Surveys provide an independent and precise assessment of a vessel’s condition at a specific time and location.
These surveys are conducted immediately before entering (On-Hire) or exiting (Off-Hire) a charter period to ensure clarity on fuel quantity and vessel status.
During the inspection, remaining fuel is carefully measured, and a transparent report is issued. This ensures fair and reliable verification for both the charterer and vessel owner, minimizing potential disputes.
Bunker Quantity Survey: Accurate and Reliable Measurement
In bunker operations, precision and accuracy are crucial. Our Bunker Quantity Survey service ensures that every stage of the fuel transfer process is closely monitored, guaranteeing that the correct amount is delivered.
Pre-Bunkering Preparation
Before the bunkering process begins, our experienced surveyors conduct detailed measurements on both the bunker barge and the receiving vessel. At the same time, sampling equipment is prepared, and the sample container is securely fixed in place. The fuel sample is usually collected through a manual drip sampler located either at the barge manifold or the ship’s bunker manifold.
Prior to bunkering, the barge obtains a Master’s Requisition document signed by the receiving vessel, confirming the quantity, quality, and pumping rate requirements for the ordered fuel grades.
Bunker Transfer Process
The fuel transfer starts at a slow rate to check for any leaks and to ensure that the fuel is flowing correctly. Once confirmed, the transfer is gradually increased to the optimal pumping speed. Towards the end of the operation, the flow is carefully slowed down to complete the process smoothly.
After the transfer is complete, the barge may clear the bunker lines by either using air pressure to displace the remaining oil or allowing the fuel to drain back to the barge using gravity flow.
Post-Bunkering Measurement & Reporting
Once the bunker lines are cleared, our attending surveyor conducts final manual measurements on both the bunker barge and the receiving vessel. These measurements are used to determine the exact quantity of fuel delivered.
The amount delivered by the barge and received by the vessel should be identical. If any discrepancies arise, they are recorded and investigated accordingly.
Our Bunker Quantity Survey is conducted by independent and certified surveyors, ensuring that the correct quantity and quality of fuel is delivered. We provide a transparent and efficient measurement process, helping you manage your bunker operations with accuracy and confidence.
Intermediate Survey & Spot Survey: Ensuring Transparency in Bunker Fuel
221B or Bunker Detective Surveys are conducted by our expert surveyors on behalf of charterers to detect concealed (hidden) bunker fuel on board. Our surveyors provide unbiased and independent quantity measurement inspection services to prevent fuel loss, ensuring accurate reporting of any undeclared fuel.
Common Methods of Concealing Bunker Fuel
There are various ways fuel may be hidden on board:
✔ Short bunker delivery
✔ Hidden compartments
✔ Altered sounding pipe lengths
✔ Magic pipes
✔ Tampered sounding tables
✔ Uncalibrated sounding tapes
✔ Surveyors merely accepting the Master’s ROB (Remaining On Board) without verification
Bunker detective surveys ensure that fuel does not go missing after a charter period and that all fuel on board is accurately measured and reported during off-hire inspections.
Spot Surveys & Accurate Fuel Measurement
Our experienced surveyors conduct independent and impartial fuel quantity inspections, providing detailed reports on fuel quantity and quality.
These reports help clients resolve bunker shortage or quality disputes. Additionally, Spot Surveys provide shipowners with a precise assessment of the actual fuel quantities on board, ensuring full transparency in bunker operations.
Condition Survey: Ensuring Transparency in Vessel Condition
A Condition Survey is conducted to inspect and document the current condition of a vessel’s loading gear, cargo holds, and hatch covers.
During the inspection, the following areas are visually examined:
✔ Cargo holds
✔ Main deck
✔ Cargo handling areas
This survey identifies any pre-existing damage before the vessel enters or exits a charter period (On-Hire/Off-Hire).
After completion, an independent and detailed report is issued, officially recording the vessel’s condition. The findings are then compared with previous Condition Survey reports to determine whether any new damage has occurred during cargo operations.
Independent Marine Surveys provides:
✔ On/Off-Hire Bunker Surveys
✔ On/Off-Hire Bunker & Condition Surveys
✔ Standalone Condition Surveys
ensuring accuracy, transparency, and reliable documentation for vessel owners and charterers.
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