Marine Survey Services

Ensuring vessels are keeping satisfactory standards on board, in compliance with international regulations,  means verifying that the ship’s condition, equipment, operations, and crew management consistently meet the safety, environmental, and welfare requirements set out in international conventions such as SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, and the MLC. This involves not only checking that all statutory certificates are valid and accurate, but also confirming through physical inspection and operational tests that the vessel is maintained properly, safety drills are conducted effectively, pollution prevention measures are in place, and crew members are trained and certified. The goal is to maintain a high level of operational readiness and to prevent incidents, accidents, or environmental harm.

• Assessing Structural integrity: Hull, decks, superstructure, bulkheads, and visible signs of corrosion, cracks, or damage – Machinery and propulsion: Main engine, generators, pumps, steering gear, and associated systems’ condition and maintenance history.
• Electrical systems: Power distribution, emergency power arrangements, lighting, alarms, and automation controls – Safety equipment: Life-saving appliances, firefighting systems, emergency communications, and compliance with SOLAS.
• Navigation equipment: Radar, GPS, ECDIS, compass, AIS, and other bridge instruments – Cargo systems: Cargo holds, tanks, cranes, hatch covers, ballast systems, and relevant operational gear.
• Accommodation and habitability: Crew living quarters, galley, sanitation, and compliance with MLC standards – Documentation review: Certificates, logbooks, class records, maintenance history, and any outstanding recommendations.
• Sea trial (if agreed): Performance, manoeuvrability, engine operation, and steering under load – Deficiency list: Identification of any repairs, replacements, or compliance gaps, with cost estimates if required.

• Incident Assessment: Attend the vessel or site promptly after an accident, grounding, collision, fire, machinery breakdown, or other casualty – Damage Identification: Detailed inspection of affected structures, machinery, equipment, and cargo.
• Extent & Cause Analysis: Determine scope, probable cause, and contributing factors to the damage – Photographic & Measurement Records: Document all findings with measurements, photographs, and relevant technical data.
• Impact Evaluation: Assess implications for vessel safety, seaworthiness, and operational capability – Repair Recommendations: Provide guidance on necessary repairs, replacement parts, and estimated repair costs.
• Insurance Liaison: Prepare factual reports and evidence for submission to insurers, P&I Clubs, or legal representatives – Compliance Check: Verify repairs and replacements are carried out to classification society and flag state requirements.
• Final Reporting: Issue a detailed, impartial survey report suitable for use in insurance claim settlement or legal proceedings.

• Pre-Loading Condition Check: Inspect cargo for damage, contamination, or irregularities prior to loading.
• Quantity & Specification Verification: Confirm cargo type, quantity, packaging, and compliance with shipping documents – Stowage & Securing Assessment: Verify that stowage plans, lashing, and securing arrangements meet safety and regulatory standards.
• Hold / Tank Inspection: Ensure cargo spaces, tanks, or containers are clean, dry, and suitable for intended cargo – Loading Supervision: Monitor loading operations to prevent damage, contamination, or unsafe practices.
• Dangerous Goods Compliance: Check segregation, labeling, and documentation in line with the IMDG Code and applicable regulations – Ventilation & Environmental Controls: Verify appropriate temperature, humidity, and ventilation measures are in place.
• Photographic Evidence: Document cargo condition, stowage, and securing arrangements – Final Reporting: Provide a detailed inspection report with any noted deficiencies or recommendations.

• Regulatory Verification: Assess vessel’s compliance with international conventions such as SOLAS, MARPOL, ISM Code, ISPS Code, STCW, and MLC.
• Documentation Review: Check validity and accuracy of statutory and class certificates, records, and operational manuals.
• Safety Management System Audit: Evaluate implementation and effectiveness of the ISM Code, including safety procedures, drills, and recordkeeping.
• Pollution Prevention Compliance: Verify MARPOL requirements for oil, sewage, garbage, ballast water, and air emissions management.
• Security Measures: Confirm compliance with the ISPS Code, including ship security plan implementation and access control.
• Crew Certification & Competence: Ensure crew qualifications, manning levels, and training records meet STCW and flag state requirements.
• Operational Readiness: Inspect life-saving appliances, firefighting systems, navigation equipment, and machinery for regulatory conformity.
• Corrective Actions: Identify non-conformities and recommend corrective measures for compliance.
• Final Audit Report: Provide a comprehensive compliance report suitable for flag state, port state, class society, or client verification needs.