Glossary of Marine Survey and Cargo Inspection Terms

Marine and Cargo Survey Glossary

Bulk Cargo Inspection: Examination of unpackaged materials such as grains or ores.
Cargo Handling Procedures: Established methods for loading, unloading, and storing cargo safely.
Cargo Inspection: Examination of goods to verify condition, quality, and quantity.
Cargo Manifest: Detailed list of cargo items being transported, including descriptions, quantities, and destinations.
Cargo Sampling: Collection of representative samples from cargo for quality testing.
Cargo Securing: Methods and materials used to secure cargo in place during transport to prevent shifting and damage.
Cargo Superintendency: Oversight of loading or unloading operations.
Freight Inspection: Examination of goods being shipped to ensure they match the details specified in the shipping documents and contracts.
Hold Inspection: Examination of the cargo hold area of a vessel for cleanliness, damage, and suitability for cargo.
Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI): Verification of goods before export to ensure compliance with specifications.
Tally Services: Counting and recording cargo during loading or unloading operations to ensure accuracy in documentation.

Ballast Survey: Inspection of a ship's ballast water for environmental compliance.
Bunker Quantity Survey (BQS): Measurement of fuel quantity on a vessel before and after refueling.
Condition Survey: Inspection of a vessel or cargo to assess its condition and identify any issues that need addressing.
Damage Survey: Assessment of harm to cargo or vessel.
Draft Survey: Method of determining cargo weight by measuring changes in a ship's draft.
Hatch Cover Testing: Inspection of a ship's hatch covers for watertightness.
Heavy Lift Inspection: Survey of oversized or exceptionally heavy cargo.
Hull Inspection: Examination of the ship's hull to assess its condition, detect any damage, and ensure it meets safety standards.
Marine Survey: General term for inspections and assessments of ships and marine structures.
On/Off Hire Survey: Inspection conducted when a vessel is chartered or returned from charter.
P&I Club Survey: Inspection for Protection and Indemnity insurance purposes.
Pre-Purchase Inspection: Examination of a vessel or cargo before purchase to assess condition and value.
Remaining On Board (ROB): Quantity of material remaining in vessel tanks, void spaces, and pipelines after discharge.

Certifications & Compliance

Accredited Laboratory Testing: Testing performed by laboratories that meet specific standards set by regulatory bodies.
DGFT Compliance: Adherence to Indian import/export regulations.
GAFTA Inspection: Grain inspection following Grain and Feed Trade Association standards.
ISO 17025 Compliance: Adherence to the international standard for testing laboratories.
Load Line Certificate: Document issued by maritime authorities indicating the maximum load line (or draft) for a vessel under various conditions.
MARPOL Compliance: Adherence to regulations aimed at preventing marine pollution.
Port State Control (PSC): Inspection regime conducted by port authorities to ensure that foreign ships entering their ports comply with international regulations.
Pre-Shipment Certificate: Document certifying that goods have passed pre-shipment inspection, confirming compliance with contractual specifications.
SOLAS Compliance (Safety of Life at Sea): Adherence to international maritime safety regulations aimed at protecting lives at sea.
Voyage Survey: Inspection carried out during a voyage to monitor the condition of the vessel and cargo, ensuring compliance with operational standards.

Fuel and Environmental Surveys

Bunker Quality Inspection: Testing of ship's fuel to ensure it meets required specifications.
Fuel Oil Analysis: Laboratory testing of marine fuel samples to verify quality.
Marine Environmental Surveys: Assessing the impact of operations on the marine environment.
Marine Pollution Control: Measures and regulations aimed at preventing and minimizing pollution from ships.
Ullage Survey (US): Measurement of the empty space in a ship's tank or hold to determine the volume of liquid cargo remaining onboard after discharge.
Water Quality Testing: Testing of water samples from onboard sources to ensure they meet safety and quality standards.

Discharge Supervision: Oversight of cargo unloading from a vessel.
Loading Supervision: Monitoring the loading of cargo onto a vessel to ensure proper procedures are followed.
Ship Superintendency: Management of ship operations, maintenance, and compliance during voyages.
Shipboard Management: Administration and organization of activities and personnel on a vessel to ensure efficient operations and adherence to regulations.
Vessel Performance Monitoring: Ongoing assessment of a ship's operational efficiency through various metrics.
Vessel Stability Assessment: Evaluation of a vessel's ability to remain upright under various conditions.