From cargo and vessel inspections to specialist surveys and risk assessments, Inchcape Survey & Inspection helps you navigate complex operational and commercial challenges. Our global expertise and independent approach ensure you receive accurate, actionable information to make critical decisions with confidence. Our service portfolio includes:
Asset condition
| Surveys Names | Survey Description | Risk Mitigated |
| Underwater Inspection | Inspection of the vessel’s underwater hull, propeller, rudder, sea chests, and appendages, typically conducted by divers or ROV to assess structural condition, biofouling, corrosion, and damage without the need for drydocking. Inchcape uses its owned ROV’s or diving partners to conduct this inspection. | Reduces risk of hull failure, propulsion inefficiency, class non-compliance, unplanned off-hire, environmental incidents, and costly emergency repairs. |
| Hull Cleaning | Removal of marine growth and biofouling from the vessel’s underwater hull and propeller, performed in-water or in drydock to restore hull condition and optimize hydrodynamic performance. | Reduces fuel consumption and emissions, prevents accelerated corrosion and coating damage, improves vessel speed and efficiency, and lowers risk of regulatory non-compliance related to biofouling. |
| Technical Superintendency | Provision of technical oversight for vessel operations, including maintenance planning, repair supervision, class and statutory compliance, drydock management, budget control, and performance monitoring to ensure safe and efficient ship operation. | Reduces risk of machinery breakdown, regulatory non-compliance, off-hire, cost overruns, safety incidents, and asset value deterioration. |
| Vessel Condition Survey | Comprehensive assessment of a vessel’s structural integrity, machinery condition, safety systems, and overall seaworthiness to determine current technical and maintenance status. | Reduces risk of unforeseen repair costs, unsafe operations, asset overvaluation, insurance disputes, charterer claims, and regulatory non-compliance. |
| Towage Approval Survey | Technical evaluation of a vessel or floating object prior to towage to assess structural integrity, watertightness, stability, securing arrangements, and towage plan suitability, ensuring readiness for safe towing operations. | Reduces risk of towline failure, loss of tow, structural damage, grounding, pollution incidents, insurance disputes, and safety hazards during transit. |
| Tank Cleaning Services | Cleaning and gas-freeing of cargo tanks to remove residues, sludge, and contaminants, ensuring tanks are safe, compliant, and ready for the next cargo or inspection. | Reduces risk of cargo contamination, unsafe tank entry, toxic exposure, fire or explosion hazards, off-spec cargo claims, and regulatory non-compliance. |
| Annual Inspection / Calibration of Navigation Equipment | Annual inspection, testing, and calibration of navigational equipment such as radar, ECDIS, gyro compass, GPS, echo sounder, and AIS to verify accuracy, functionality, and compliance with class and statutory requirements. | Reduces risk of navigational errors, collisions, groundings, regulatory non-compliance, PSC detentions, insurance exposure, and operational delays. |
| Annual Inspection / Calibration of Safety Devices | Annual inspection, testing, and certification of onboard safety equipment such as lifeboats, life rafts, life jackets, fire extinguishers, fire detection systems, emergency alarms, and breathing apparatus to ensure full operational readiness and statutory compliance. | Reduces risk of equipment failure during emergencies, crew injury or loss of life, PSC detentions, insurance exposure, regulatory non-compliance, and legal liabilities. |
Cargo Operations
| Surveys Names | Survey Description | Risk Mitigated |
| Cargo Handling & Stowage | Oversight and assessment of cargo loading / discharging, handling, securing, and stowage to ensure proper weight distribution, compliance with cargo plans, stability requirements, and prevention of cargo damage during transit. | Reduces risk of cargo shifting, structural stress, stability issues, cargo damage or loss, charter party disputes, crew injury, and insurance claims. |
| Cargo tally survey | Independent counting and verification of cargo quantities during loading and/or discharge to confirm the number of units, packages, or parcels handled, and to record any visible damage or discrepancies. | Reduces risk of short landing or over-delivery claims, quantity disputes, pilferage allegations, documentary discrepancies, and commercial conflicts between contractual parties. |
| Container Survey | Inspection of containers to assess structural condition, CSC compliance, cleanliness, suitability for intended cargo, and identification of any damage prior to loading or after discharge. | Reduces risk of cargo damage, water ingress, contamination, rejection by terminals, liability disputes, and insurance claims. |
| Cargo Damage Survey | Independent inspection and assessment of damaged cargo to determine the nature, extent, and probable cause of loss or damage during transit, including documentation review and photographic evidence for claim support. | Reduces risk of unresolved liability disputes, inflated claims, recovery shortfalls, contractual conflicts, and insurance exposure. |
| Cargo Sampling & Testing | Supervised sampling and laboratory testing of cargo during loading and/or discharge to verify quality, grade, moisture content, contamination levels, and compliance with contractual specifications. | Reduces risk of off-spec cargo disputes, contamination claims, quantity-quality discrepancies, financial losses, and contractual litigation. |
Bulk Cargo Operations
| Surveys Names | Survey Description | Risk Mitigated |
| Port Captaincy | On-site operational representation at port to oversee vessel berthing, cargo operations, documentation, coordination with agents and terminals, and compliance with charter party and safety requirements. | Reduces risk of operational delays, demurrage exposure, unsafe cargo operations, documentation errors, off-hire, and commercial disputes. |
| Supercargo Survey | On site supercargo attendance during loading, voyage, and discharge of HBI (Hot Briquetted Iron) / DRI (Direct Reduced Iron) cargoes to monitor moisture levels, temperature, cargo trimming, ventilation practices, sampling, and compliance with IMSBC Code requirements. | Reduces risk of cargo self-heating, re-oxidation, hydrogen generation, fire or explosion hazards, cargo contamination, stability issues, and major P&I or cargo claims. |
| Bulk Buyers Inspection | Independent inspection conducted on behalf of bulk cargo buyers to verify quantity, quality, sampling procedures, loading conditions, draft survey results, and compliance with contractual specifications at load and/or discharge ports. | Reduces risk of short delivery, off-spec cargo, moisture disputes, contamination, financial exposure, and contractual disagreements between buyer and seller. |
| Draft Survey | Independent determination of cargo quantity loaded or discharged by calculating the vessel’s displacement through draft readings, water density measurement, and hydrostatic data before and after cargo operations. | Reduces risk of quantity disputes, short shipment claims, commercial disagreements, demurrage exposure, and financial losses due to inaccurate cargo figures. |
| Cargo Hold Survey – Cleanliness | Inspection of cargo holds prior to loading to assess cleanliness, dryness, structural condition, previous cargo residues, infestation risks, and overall suitability for the intended cargo. | Reduces risk of cargo contamination, rejection by shippers or charterers, loading delays, off-hire, cargo claims, and contractual disputes. |
| Cargo Hold Survey – Damage | Detailed inspection of cargo holds to assess structural damage, coating breakdown, corrosion, deformation, hatch cover integrity, and any impact-related defects before or after cargo operations. | Reduces risk of cargo contamination, water ingress, structural failure, charter party disputes, off-hire exposure, and insurance claims. |
| Hatch Cover Integrity | Testing of hatch covers using ultrasonic, hose, or chalk testing methods to verify weathertightness, gasket condition, compression efficiency, and overall sealing performance prior to or during cargo operations. | Reduces risk of water ingress, cargo wet damage, contamination, rejection of holds, cargo claims, and charter party disputes. |
| Hatch Sealing / Unsealing | Application of tamper-evident seals on hatch covers after loading and controlled removal at discharge to ensure cargo security and provide documented evidence of hatch integrity throughout the voyage. | Reduces risk of cargo tampering, pilferage allegations, unauthorized access, quantity disputes, and commercial conflicts between load and discharge ports. |
| Petro/Chemical Cargo Operations | On site supervision of loading, discharge, and transfer operations of petroleum and chemical cargoes, including tank inspection, line verification, sampling coordination, cargo compatibility checks, quantity reconciliation, and compliance with terminal and statutory requirements. | Reduces risk of contamination, cargo commingling, quantity discrepancies, spill incidents, pollution liabilities, safety hazards, off-spec claims, and significant financial exposure. |
| Pipe Survey | Inspection and monitoring of steel pipe cargo during loading and/or discharge to assess condition, rust grading, mechanical damage, lashing/securing adequacy, stowage arrangement, and compliance with contractual terms. | Reduces risk of cargo damage and is important for maintaining quality control, and ensuring accurate documentation of quantities received or delivered. Specific procedures and requirements may vary depending on the type of pipes, transportation mode (e.g., vessel, truck, rail), and industry best practices. |
| Steel Survey | Inspection and monitoring of steel cargo (coils, billets, plates, rebar etc) during loading and/or discharge to assess condition, rust grading, mechanical damage, lashing/securing adequacy, stowage arrangement, and compliance with contractual terms. | Reduces risk of rust and moisture-related claims, handling damage disputes, improper lashing, short delivery allegations, cargo rejection, and commercial conflicts between buyer and seller. |
| Stockpile Survey | A stockpile survey is conducted to determine the quantity, quality, and condition of materials or goods stored in a stockpile. It involves measuring and documenting the volume or weight of the stockpile, inspecting its contents, and providing relevant information for inventory management or other purposes. | Reduces risk of quantity discrepancies, inventory misstatements, financial exposure, contractual disputes between buyer and seller, and reconciliation issues during shipment. |
Bunkering
| Surveys Names | Survey Description | Risk Mitigated |
| Bunker Quantity Survey (BQS) | Independent measurement and verification of bunker fuel quantities supplied to a vessel, including tank soundings, temperature and density checks, drip sampling, and reconciliation with bunker delivery notes. | Reduces risk of quantity shortages, measurement discrepancies, commercial disputes between supplier and receiver, fuel fraud, and financial loss. |
| Bunker Sampling & Analysis | Laboratory testing and analysis of bunker fuel samples to verify compliance with ISO specifications, sulphur limits, viscosity, density, flash point, water content, contaminants, and overall fuel quality. | Reduces risk of engine damage, fuel incompatibility, non-compliance with IMO sulphur regulations, operational breakdown, warranty disputes, and significant financial losses. |
| Forensic Bunker Survey / Bunker Detective Survey / 221B | Forensic investigation of suspected bunker quantity or quality malpractice, including detailed tank measurement verification, pipeline tracing, valve position checks, sounding record analysis, bunker delivery note reconciliation, and evidence-based reporting. | Reduces risk of fuel theft, quantity manipulation, hidden line losses, commercial fraud, off-spec disputes, and substantial financial exposure during bunker operations. |
| On/Off-Hire Bunker Survey | Independent verification of fuel quantities and grades onboard at the time of vessel delivery (on-hire) and redelivery (off-hire), including tank soundings, temperature and density checks, and reconciliation with charter party terms. | Reduces risk of bunker quantity disputes between owner and charterer, financial discrepancies, grade disagreements, and off-hire claims. |
| Bunkers Remaining On Board (BROB) | Independent measurement and verification of all fuel grades remaining onboard a vessel at a specific point in time, typically prior to sale, purchase, delivery, redelivery, lay-up, or change of management through tank soundings, temperature and density corrections, and quantity reconciliation. | Reduces risk of financial discrepancies, misstatement of fuel inventory, disputes during vessel handover, charter party conflicts, and commercial losses. |
Charter / Sale & Purchase
| Surveys Names | Survey Description | Risk Mitigated |
| Sale & Purchase (S&P) | Comprehensive technical and operational assessment of a vessel prior to acquisition or sale, including structural condition, machinery status, class and statutory compliance, maintenance history, onboard systems, and general seaworthiness to support commercial due diligence. | Reduces risk of hidden defects, asset overvaluation, unforeseen repair costs, regulatory non-compliance, post-sale disputes, and financial exposure. |
| Ship Vetting | Independent assessment of a vessel’s operational standards, safety management systems, crew competency, maintenance practices, and regulatory compliance against industry and charterer requirements prior to commercial engagement. | Reduces risk of substandard vessel exposure, pollution incidents, cargo contamination, PSC detentions, reputational damage, and charterer rejection. |
| On/Off-Hire Condition Survey | Independent inspection of the vessel’s overall condition at the time of delivery (on-hire) and redelivery (off-hire), documenting structural condition, cargo holds/tanks, machinery spaces, equipment status, and any existing damages to establish a clear baseline under the charter party. | Reduces risk of redelivery disputes, damage attribution conflicts, off-hire claims, maintenance liability disagreements, and financial exposure between owner and charterer. |
Cargo Gear Survey
| Surveys Names | Survey Description | Risk Mitigated |
| Crane Inspection | Inspection and functional testing of shipboard cranes, including structural components, wire ropes, sheaves, hooks, hydraulic systems, limit switches, and load testing where required, to verify operational safety and compliance with class and statutory standards. | Reduces risk of lifting accidents, cargo damage, crew injury, operational delays, equipment failure, PSC detentions, and liability claims. |
| Wire Inspection | Detailed examination of crane wire ropes, including visual inspection, measurement of diameter reduction, broken wire count, corrosion assessment, lubrication condition, end fittings, and compliance with manufacturer and class replacement criteria. | Reduces risk of wire failure during lifting operations, dropped loads, cargo damage, crew injury, operational downtime, and regulatory non-compliance. |
Insurance
| Surveys Names | Survey Description | Risk Mitigated |
| Lloyds Agency | Attendance and reporting as the appointed Lloyd’s agent in cases involving cargo damage, vessel incidents, providing independent documentation, evidence gathering, and coordination with local authorities and stakeholders in order to ascertain the nature, cause and extent of damages. | Reduces risk of incomplete incident documentation, claim escalation, recovery shortfalls, procedural non-compliance, and legal disputes. |
| CESAM | Attendance and reporting as the appointed CESAM Average Adjuster in cases involving cargo damage, vessel incidents, providing independent documentation, evidence gathering, and coordination with local authorities and stakeholders in order to ascertain the nature, cause and extent of damages. | Reduces risk of incomplete incident documentation, claim escalation, recovery shortfalls, procedural non-compliance, and legal disputes. |
| Marine Warranty Survey | Independent review and approval of marine operations such as heavy lift, towage, float-over, load-out, and transportation of high-value or project cargo to ensure compliance with agreed warranty conditions, method statements, and risk assessments on behalf of underwriters. | Reduces risk of structural failure, loss of tow, cargo damage, operational accidents, policy breach, and significant insurance exposure during critical marine operations. |
| Protection & Indemnity (P&I) – Survey | Independent attendance and investigation on behalf of Protection & Indemnity Clubs in cases involving cargo damage, personal injury, pollution incidents, stowaway matters, fines, collisions, or other third-party liabilities, providing factual reporting, evidence collection, and liability assessment. | Reduces risk of claim escalation, inaccurate liability attribution, excessive compensation exposure, legal disputes, and regulatory penalties. |
| Claims Management | Professional evaluation, adjustment, and end-to-end management of marine claims, including cause analysis, quantum assessment, document review, stakeholder coordination, negotiation support, and recovery action where applicable. | Reduces risk of overpayment, delayed settlements, inadequate recovery, legal escalation, reputational impact, and financial leakage in complex marine claims. |
| Proof & Protection of Asset | Independent inspection and verification of documentation of a vessel’s or cargo’s condition at a specific point in time, prior insurance cover renewal, charter, shipment, storage, repair, or handover to establish factual evidence of existing condition and safeguard ownership interests. | Reduces risk of wrongful damage attribution, unfounded claims, asset value disputes, charter party conflicts, and financial exposure. |
| Hull & Machinery Survey | Comprehensive inspection of the vessel’s hull structure, machinery systems, propulsion equipment, auxiliary systems, and critical onboard components to assess condition, operational reliability, compliance with class and insurance requirements an in case of incidents leading to damages. | Reduces risk of structural failure, machinery breakdown, unplanned off-hire, major casualty, insurance disputes, and long-term asset value deterioration. |
| Automotive Inspection | Independent inspection of vehicles prior to shipment, upon discharge, or during storage to document physical condition, record pre-existing damages, verify VIN details, and assess handling or transport-related impacts. | Reduces risk of damage attribution disputes, handling claims, transit liability conflicts, insurance exposure, and financial losses across the automotive supply chain. |
| Protection & Indemnity (P&I) – Correspondent | Local representation on behalf of Protection & Indemnity Clubs to coordinate incident response, appoint surveyors and lawyers, liaise with port authorities, manage crew matters, oversee documentation, and facilitate efficient claim handling at the port of call. | Reduces risk of procedural missteps, claim escalation, regulatory penalties, crew detention issues, unnecessary legal exposure, and delays in casualty resolution. |
| Insurance Regulatory Unit (IRU) – Kuwait | Attendance and reporting as the appointed surveyor and adjuster by the IRU Kuwait in cases involving cargo damage, vessel incidents, providing independent documentation, evidence gathering, and coordination with local authorities and stakeholders in order to ascertain the nature, cause and extent of damages. | Reduces risk of incomplete incident documentation, claim escalation, recovery shortfalls, procedural non-compliance, and legal disputes. |
Security
| Surveys Names | Survey Description | Risk Mitigated |
| Citadel inspections | Inspection and verification of the vessel’s citadel (safe muster area) to ensure structural integrity, access control, communication systems, ventilation, emergency supplies, and compliance with the vessel’s Ship Security Plan (SSP) and BMP requirements for high-risk areas. | Reduces risk of crew vulnerability during piracy or armed robbery incidents, non-compliance with security protocols, ineffective emergency response, and exposure to liability or detention. |
| Ship Security Assessment (SSA) | Comprehensive assessment of the vessel’s security arrangements in line with the ISPS Code, including access control measures, restricted areas, monitoring systems, crew awareness, SSP implementation, and threat vulnerability analysis. | Reduces risk of unauthorized access, smuggling, piracy exposure, regulatory non-compliance, port entry denial, fines, and reputational damage. |
| Anti-piracy Ship Security Assessment (APSSA) | Specialized assessment of a vessel’s preparedness for transit through High-Risk Areas (HRA), evaluating physical hardening measures, watchkeeping procedures, citadel readiness, access control, lighting, razor wire arrangements, BMP compliance, and crew drills. | Reduces risk of piracy or armed robbery incidents, crew detention, ransom exposure, voyage disruption, insurance complications, and non-compliance with charterer or flag requirements. |
| Ship Security Plan (SSP) review | Independent review and validation of the vessel’s Ship Security Plan to ensure alignment with ISPS Code requirements, flag state regulations, trading pattern risks, access control measures, reporting procedures, and emergency response protocols. | Reduces risk of ISPS non-compliance, port state detention, fines, security breaches, insurance exposure, and reputational damage. |
| Port Security Assessment (PSA) per ISPS | Comprehensive evaluation of a port or terminal’s security infrastructure, access controls, perimeter protection, surveillance systems, cargo handling security, and compliance with ISPS Code requirements to assess vulnerability exposure and operational risk. | Reduces risk of unauthorized access, cargo theft, smuggling, terrorism exposure, regulatory non-compliance, vessel delay, and reputational damage. |
| Best Management Practice (BMP) Inspections | Independent verification of vessel compliance with current Best Management Practices (BMP) for protection against piracy and armed robbery, including physical hardening measures, watchkeeping procedures, transit planning, reporting protocols, drills, and crew preparedness for High-Risk Area (HRA) operations. | Reduces risk of piracy incidents, crew detention, ransom exposure, insurance complications, charterer non-acceptance, and failure to meet industry security standards. |
| K9 Searches | Deployment of certified K9 detection teams to conduct systematic searches of vessels, cargo holds, containers, stores, and accommodation areas to detect narcotics, explosives, contraband, or stowaways prior to sailing or during port stay. | Reduces risk of drug trafficking incidents, smuggling, vessel detention, heavy fines, criminal liability, reputational damage, and voyage delays. |
| Stowaway Search | Comprehensive pre-departure search of vessel spaces including cargo holds, containers, void spaces, chain lockers, steering gear rooms, and accommodation areas to detect and prevent unauthorized persons from boarding prior to sailing. | Reduces risk of stowaway incidents, immigration fines, vessel detention, deviation costs, crew safety concerns, legal liabilities, and reputational damage. |
Environmental Services
| Surveys Names | Survey Description | Risk Mitigated |
| Bilge Water Testing Sampling & Analysis | Collection, testing, and laboratory analysis of bilge water samples to verify oil content, contamination levels, and compliance with MARPOL discharge limits and flag/state regulatory requirements. | Reduces risk of MARPOL violations, port state control detention, environmental fines, criminal liability, reputational damage, and insurance exposure related to illegal discharge allegations. |
| Sewage/Gray Water Sampling & Analysis | Collection and laboratory analysis of sewage and grey water samples to verify treatment system performance, biological and chemical parameters, and compliance with MARPOL Annex IV and applicable port/state discharge standards. | Reduces risk of environmental non-compliance, port state control detention, fines, criminal liability, system malfunction, and reputational damage. |
| Ballast Water Sampling & Analysis | Independent sampling and laboratory analysis of ballast water to verify compliance with the IMO Ballast Water Management Convention (D-1/D-2 standards), including assessment of biological organism limits and treatment system performance. | Reduces risk of non-compliance with ballast water regulations, port state detention, fines, operational delays, invasive species liability, and reputational damage. |
| Exhaust Gas Scrubber Water Sampling & Analysis | Independent sampling and laboratory analysis of exhaust gas scrubber washwater to verify compliance with IMO and local discharge criteria, including pH, PAH content, turbidity, and oil-in-water parameters, and assessment of scrubber system performance. | Reduces risk of non-compliance with sulphur emission regulations, port state detention, discharge violations, fines, operational restrictions, and reputational damage. |
| Potable Water Sampling & Analysis | Collection and laboratory analysis of onboard potable water samples to assess microbiological quality, chemical parameters, residual disinfectant levels, and overall compliance with flag state and international health standards. | Reduces risk of crew illness, contamination outbreaks, port health detention, non-compliance with maritime health regulations, and potential liability claims. |
| Cooling Water Sampling & Analysis | Collection and laboratory analysis of engine and auxiliary cooling water samples to evaluate chemical balance, corrosion inhibitors, contamination levels, microbiological activity, and overall system condition to ensure optimal machinery performance. | Reduces risk of corrosion, scaling, overheating, machinery breakdown, reduced system efficiency, costly repairs, and unplanned off-hire. |
| Fumigation | Controlled fumigation of cargo holds, containers, or stored commodities using approved fumigants to eliminate insects, larvae, rodents, or other pests, conducted in compliance with IMO guidelines and port health regulations, with monitoring of gas concentration and ventilation procedures. | Reduces risk of cargo infestation, quarantine rejection, port state detention, contamination claims, regulatory fines, and commercial losses due to rejected shipments. |
| Flighted Spongy Moth Complex (FSMC) Inspection | Seasonal inspection of vessel exterior surfaces (superstructure, hatch covers, deck equipment, cranes, mooring areas) for egg masses of the Flighty Spongy Moth Complex prior to arrival at regulated ports, including cleaning verification and certification to meet importing country requirements. | Reduces risk of port entry denial, quarantine orders, costly delays, mandatory offshore cleaning, fines, and reputational damage due to non-compliance with biosecurity regulations. |