Cargo and Vessel Inspection Before International Shipping

Sea transportation is one of the most popular and reliable methods of international cargo delivery. It is chosen for its low tariffs and safety. Sea vessels deliver cargo to almost any country. They are characterized by high carrying capacity and convenience for organizing the transportation of goods over long distances. But to deliver them intact and safe over thousands of kilometers, it is important to provide the goods with proper packaging and securing so that they are not damaged or spoiled en route. For this, a vessel inspection and cargo survey are conducted before shipment.

What the vessel inspection includes

Inspections before the vessel’s departure on its route ensure the safety of sea transportation and minimize losses due to damage or loss of cargo. After all, the most common causes of defects acquired by goods during transportation are improper packaging and securing. This procedure is performed by marine inspectors – surveyors. They identify potential problems that may arise during transportation, check if the conditions on the vessel correspond to the nature and quantity of the cargo being transported, and assess possible damage. Both parties to the transaction, the buyer and the seller, are equally interested in the inspection, as in 99% of cases it ensures the preservation and safe delivery of goods.

Advantages of inspections:

• Reduction of financial risks associated with shortages or misgrading, costs for storing spoiled or unusable goods;
• Prevention of vessel overloading;
• Extension of equipment service life and prevention of accidents;
• Exclusion of low-quality or goods that have lost their original properties from the shipment process;
• Minimization of injuries and accidents due to poor cargo securing or wear of technical means;
• Ensuring compliance with international norms and standards.

Inspection before international delivery includes:

• Vessel survey.
• Inspection of sea containers to clarify storage conditions and the possibility of transporting certain groups of goods.
• Cargo audit.

During the vessel survey, its physical condition is studied, and information is collected, including:

• The vessel’s flag state and place of registration;
• The captain’s qualifications;
• Information about all crew members;
• The vessel’s name, its detailed description;
• Data about the carrier, sender, and consignee of the cargo;
• Detailed information about the cargo composition indicating weight, quantity, and name;
• Documents confirming the passage of technical inspection and admission for transportation;
• The layout plan of containers on the vessel.

During the ship inspection, it is determined:

• The suitability of cargo spaces and container equipment for loading. Their area is measured, cleanliness, ventilation, compliance with temperature and humidity regimes are checked.
• The tightness and watertightness of its hatches.
• The operability of mechanisms and systems, including fastenings, racks, cables.
• In the engine room, the level of lubricant, absence of damage and deformation of fuel hoses are checked.
• The presence or absence of visible damage to the hull with corresponding data indicated in the report. The condition of external parts, including anti-corrosion and anti-fouling coatings.

One of the most important moments of the surveyor’s inspection is the examination of damages that could affect the vessel’s safety. For this, the carrier must provide free access to all parts and premises. Detection of hidden defects is carried out using magnetic testing or ultrasonic inspection. Diving equipment can also be used for this inspection.

How the pre-loading inspection is conducted

The carrier must provide the customer with serviceable, sealed containers for the goods, and the sender, in turn, is obliged to monitor their serviceability. Therefore, if during transportation part of the cargo is damaged due to problems with the container, it will be his fault. Container inspection before loading prevents most problems related to defects and changes in product characteristics during delivery, as well as prevents theft. The procedure includes:

• Inspecting boxes for signs of corrosion, cracks, chips, and other damage that could negatively affect the condition of the goods. The walls and roof must be in good condition, without obvious defects. Safety plates must be attached to the containers.
• Checking tightness is necessary to ensure that moisture or dust does not enter the container during delivery. It must close tightly.
• Marking and packaging. A representative of the surveyor service will check if the goods are marked correctly and if their packaging meets the standards accepted in international transportation.
• Document audit is conducted to verify the information specified in waybills and other accompanying documentation against actual data. Insurance policies and customs declarations are also checked at this stage.

Based on the work performed, a detailed report is compiled, in which the surveyor describes all identified problems and shortcomings. Video files and photos with confirmations are attached to it, and recommendations are issued for eliminating defects and measures that will help prevent their recurrence.

Cargo inspection

Before the inspection, a plan for future work is developed, taking into account the volume of the upcoming load. Upon arrival on the vessel, inspectors thoroughly check the cargo holds and perform a tally count. The operability of loading and unloading equipment is checked. An audit of goods documentation is performed. They are weighed, and it is checked how well the obtained results correspond to the calculated indicators specified in the documentation. Containers are weighed together with their contents. The commission inspects the cargo to detect spoilage, contamination, and defects, and checks the condition of the packaging. If necessary, samples are taken from the general batch for testing. After opening and inspecting the containers, they are hermetically sealed and locked.

Based on the information obtained, reports are compiled describing the identified problems and defects and recommendations for their elimination and prevention in the future. Photographs and data from laboratory tests (if they were conducted during the inspection) are attached to it.

Stages of the vessel surveyor inspection

1. Preparation and collection of documents (from 1 to 2 days);
2. Departure of the commission for inspection of the external parts of the vessel – from 1 day;
3. Checking the condition of all its units, mechanisms, and control systems – 2 days;
4. Audit of cargo holds – 1 day;
5. One (or several) day is allocated for document checking;
6. Compiling a report describing problems and defects – 2 days.

Inspecting the ship and cargo before leaving the port is not a mere formality but an important procedure guaranteeing the safety of the crew and cargo. Its execution increases trust in shipowners from customers and regulatory authorities, helps prevent accidents, and their consequences at sea.

The duration of the activities depends on the size and type of vessel, as well as other factors. Contact us to get detailed information. We will consult you on all questions of interest and provide a preliminary calculation. Our company has extensive experience working in different countries worldwide. We do everything possible to ensure that every stage of transportation is safe for the customer and that the goods they ordered arrive at the final destination on time. We will perform an inspection of the vessel and the transported cargo to analyze the condition and risks. We will ensure control of marking and packaging to prevent cargo seizure at customs or delays.