Reduce Risks with Survey and Inspection

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.

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 optimise hydrodynamic performance.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Stowaway Searches

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.