Vessel condition
Draft marks, trim, list, ballast, bunkers and consumables are checked at the relevant survey stage.
Marine survey services
Bulk Cargo & Draft Surveys
Draft surveys, cargo hold inspections, Fitness to Load (FTL) grain inspections, hatch sealing and bulk cargo monitoring across Australian ports.
Overview
Independent attendance with evidence you can rely on
Our bulk-cargo services provide reliable quantity, cleanliness and operational evidence before, during and after cargo operations. Draft surveys are conducted using vessel hydrostatic data, verified draft readings, water-density measurements and a complete assessment of deductible weights. Draft surveys (also called draught surveys) assess cargo weight. Attendance can include bulk cargo loading or discharge supervision. For grain and bulk grain appointments, discuss grain sampling requirements, cargo monitoring and Fitness to Load (FTL) grain hold inspections with our survey team. Sampling scope is agreed for each appointment. Attendance can also include DAFF Authorised Officer (AO) bulk-vessel and cargo hold inspections, where appointed. For quarantine / DAFF cargo hold inspection enquiries, the required AO scope and appointment are confirmed before attendance.
Scope and reporting are tailored to the appointment, the interests represented and the evidence required. Joint attendances are handled professionally, with areas of agreement and disagreement recorded clearly.
Typical scope
Services available
✓Initial, intermediate and final draft surveys
✓Air-draft surveys using laser total station
✓Cargo hold cleanliness inspections
✓DAFF Authorised Officer (AO) bulk-vessel and cargo hold inspections, where appointed
✓Fitness to Load (FTL) grain inspections
✓Hatch sealing and seal-number verification
✓Fertiliser and mineral cargo sampling
✓Continuous loading and discharge monitoring
Our approach
A clear process from instructions to report
Verified calculation
Hydrostatic corrections, density and deductible quantities are applied systematically.
Joint agreement
Results are discussed with the vessel and attending interests, with discrepancies clearly recorded.
Appointments
Commonly appointed by
Shippers and receiversCommodity tradersShipownersCharterersTerminalsInsurers
Frequently asked questions
Bulk Cargo & Draft Surveys: practical questions
What is required for a draft survey?
Vessel hydrostatic data, tank information, cargo-operation timing and safe access to readable draft marks are normally required.
Can intermediate surveys be arranged?
Yes. Initial, intermediate and final surveys can be scoped around cargo operations.
Are hold inspections available?
Yes. Cargo hold cleanliness and Fitness to Load (FTL) grain inspections can be arranged. DAFF Authorised Officer (AO) bulk-vessel and quarantine / DAFF cargo hold inspections are arranged to the applicable scope and appointment.
24/7 operational response