Marine Survey

Marine survey is an independent inspection of vessels, cargoes, and marine operations for the purpose of controlling the quality, quantity, and condition of products during sea transportation. We provide a full range of marine control services, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and protection of our clients’ interests.

In today’s marine transportation market, the risks of cargo loss, damage, and disputes between parties to a transaction are extremely high. Even with signed contracts and insurance policies, the absence of proper control can lead to financial losses, disputes with counterparties, and difficulties with insurance payouts. We provide an independent marine survey that gives an objective picture of the cargo’s condition and its compliance with the contract.

We act as your representative on board the vessel, monitoring compliance with carriage conditions, recording all deviations, and providing reliable reports that can be used for commercial, insurance, and legal purposes.

Why a Marine Survey is Necessary

A marine survey is essential to minimize the risks associated with sea transportation. It allows for:

• controlling the actual quantity of cargo on board;

• verifying the condition and safety of products;

• recording damage, loss, or defects;

• assessing compliance with loading and securing rules;

• ensuring data transparency for insurance companies and counterparties;

• documenting the state of the cargo to resolve disputes.

Each of these points is critically important, especially when working with large batches and high-value cargo. A marine survey provides confidence that the goods are delivered in accordance with the contract and that their quality has not suffered in transit.

We build the marine control process systematically. Before the vessel departs, we study the contract, cargo specification, and vessel features. On board, specialists record the quantity, quality, and packaging of the goods, and assess the correctness of securing and carriage conditions.

We provide:

• independent verification of cargo mass and volume;

• quality and condition control of products;

• verification of packaging, marking, and documentation;

• photo and video recording of all operations;

• preparation of a detailed report with findings and recommendations.

Every measurement and every check is officially recorded. This approach guarantees that all parties to the transaction receive reliable information and can rely on it for financial settlements or claims resolution.

Types of Cargo We Work With

• Bulk and break-bulk cargo (coal, ore, grain);

• General cargo (packaged goods, containers);

• Liquid cargo (oil, chemical liquids);

• Technical and industrial equipment;

• Perishable and sensitive cargo.

For each type of product, we apply specialized control methodologies, considering the specifics of transportation, cargo sensitivity, and client requirements. For example, bulk cargo is one of the most complex types of sea transport. Their mass and volume are distributed across holds, and even the slightest deviations can lead to a loss of carrying capacity or damage to the vessel or cargo.

We monitor:

• actual cargo mass by hold;

• uniformity of distribution;

• density and moisture of bulk cargo;

• condition of containers and packaging;

• compliance with securing and ballasting rules.

For liquid cargo (oil, chemical liquids, food products), we additionally verify:

• integrity and tightness of tanks;

• compliance of volume and density with declared values;

• condition of valves, taps, and dosing systems;

• correctness of shipping documentation.

Containerized and general cargo require special attention, as damage leads to losses and complex claims. We conduct:

• visual inspection of containers and packaging;

• control of securing inside containers;

• verification of marking and accompanying documents;

• recording of cargo condition before and after loading;

• analysis of compliance with international rules and standards (SOLAS, IMDG).

Control of All Loading and Unloading Stages

A marine survey begins at the moment of loading and continues until unloading. We control:

• correctness of cargo stowage on the vessel;

• proper mass distribution;

• compliance with ballasting requirements;

• safety of cargo during loading and unloading operations;

• execution of cargo receipt documents.

Our task is to prevent shortages, damage, and any violations that could affect the value of the cargo and the client’s financial result.

Thorough Inspection of Vessel and Cargo Condition

A marine survey includes a detailed check of both the vessel and the cargo. We do not limit ourselves to a visual inspection; our specialists assess hull integrity, technical condition of equipment, securing systems, and all elements that may affect transport safety. We record any equipment defects or wear that could cause cargo damage or an emergency.

Special attention is paid to holds and cargo compartments. We monitor not only the quantity and distribution but also signs of moisture, contamination, or packaging damage. This comprehensive control minimizes risks associated with marine conditions, where wind, waves, and temperature fluctuations can be critical.

Draft Control and Cargo Distribution

A key element of a marine survey is the control of the vessel’s draft and cargo distribution. Improper distribution can lead to list, trim, and even threats to navigation safety. We record:

• draft readings at the bow, stern, and midships;

• uniformity of cargo distribution across holds;

• the influence of ballast and vessel stores;

• draft changes after loading or unloading.

Verification of Packaging and Securing

We assess the correctness of packaging and lashing. Errors at this stage are often the cause of damage during sea transit. We verify:

• integrity of packaging and containers;

• correctness of stowage and securing;

• use of certified securing materials;

• compliance with IMO, SOLAS, and other international rules;

• compliance of carriage conditions with cargo specifics (humidity, temperature, ventilation).

Advantages of Working with Our Company

For clients engaged in regular sea transportation, we offer systematic monitoring throughout the voyage. This allows for:

• identifying potential deviations at an early stage;

• recording all loading and unloading operations;

• ensuring constant control of cargo condition;

• minimizing risks of damage and shortage;

• providing the client with prompt and reliable information.

Our reports are designed to have legal force and satisfy the requirements of insurance companies. They include:

• vessel and cargo data;

• draft and distribution indicators;

• descriptions of packaging and securing condition;

• photo and video materials;

• expert findings and recommendations.

Other advantages:

1. Individual Approach to Every Voyage: We adapt our methodology to the cargo type, vessel, route, and client requirements.

2. Independence and Objectivity: We are not connected to the ship’s master or the shipper. Our actions are aimed solely at protecting the customer’s interests.

3. Support in Insurance and Legal Issues: Our reports serve as an evidence base in case of disputes over cargo condition, shortages, or damage.

4. Monitoring During the Voyage: We account for the influence of the marine environment (temperature, humidity, vibration, list) and promptly inform the client of risks.

5. Documentation Control: We verify bills of lading, quality certificates, and insurance documents to exclude errors that cause port delays.

Economic Efficiency of Marine Survey

Investing in a marine survey pays off many times over. Financial losses from damage or shortage can be significant, especially with high-value goods. Our control allows you to:

• minimize shortages and damage;

• ensure accuracy of freight calculations;

• prevent claims from counterparties and insurers;

• improve logistics planning and risk management;

• increase partner and client trust in your business.

By choosing Doerfer, you receive a full range of services: from preliminary contract analysis to a final report with recommendations. We turn marine survey into a tool for protecting your financial interests and optimizing logistics processes.