1. Bunker Survey

A bunker survey is a valuable tool in today's market. Temperature and fuel density are crucial in determining what you received is what you paid for. If you did not receive what you paid for or there is a considerable gain in full in a tank, these are all conditions that a bunker survey will determine and mitigate.

Quality is an imperative factor in purchasing and trading fuel. Sulfur content can make the difference between accepting fuel and declining the load. There is a considerable cost associated with fuel not passing specs.

Cargo tanks and the vessels bunker tanks are separate. However, it won't be the first time I've seen a feeder line coming off of a cargo tank feeding the vessels day tanks. These lines are hidden, sometimes very difficult to determine and cost you your product.

When a bunker survey is requested, comparison to what was in the tank before and after is imperative. Without one, the other is useless. All measurements are taken prior to the cargo transfer and then again prior to the vessel's departure. The vessel's bunker volumes are calculated again on port arrival and also at departure. The following is an account of what you should receive when getting a bunker survey:

1. Identify all tanks on board including vessels Days tanks and Settling tanks.
2. Draft marks should be noted and trim, inclination or list corrections added.
3. Depths of all tanks need to be recorded prior to any commencement of the operation, identify what sounding practices was used, ullage, innages or electronic means of soundings.
4. Obtain and record the previous Bunker Report, time and place the bunkers were supplied along with the oil density.
5. Records the quantity of bunker onboard when the ship arrived (arrival Condition) as per Engine Log Book.
6. Gauge each Bunker Tank and record the level of Oil on the tank along with the oil temperature.
7. Use accepted practice to verify any water in tanks with water cut.
8. Calculate all cargo loaded, verify ships sounding tables and hydrostatic tables, Oil Density and Temperature and utilize ASTM Table for Volume Correction Factor (VCF).
9. Record all data, if any issues, irregularities are discovered this will be reported immediately to the owner of the survey.

3. Condition & Warranty Survey

The Condition Survey is required usually by an underwriter, insurance company or charterer to verify that the ship is fit to sail. Plain and simple. This survey will be accompanied with supporting documents to include:

1. Photos of any damages to the vessel prior to sailing, damages to the vessel during the sail between the departing and arrival and final destination.
2. The vessels documents will be reviewed and verified that the vessel is classed or certified to carry the cargo or sailing dry.
3. Officers and Crews licenses will be inspected to verify they hold the proper licenses for tonnage, flag state and meet regulatory requirements.
4. The vessel is safe and meets international and domestic sanitary conditions.
5. The vessel is fitted for the voyage intended with fuel, water and provisions.
6. Sometimes the survey establishment of the cleanliness of the cargo spaces.
7. Visually inspection of vessel holds, main deck and cargo working areas are performed to identify any damage present prior to the vessel going on hire or off hire.
8. This inspection is carried out the last day the vessel is anticipated to be in port and usually takes 6 to 8 hours.

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