Cargo Surveys

A Cargo Survey focuses on the condition, handling, and quantity of cargo before, during, or after transportation.

Purpose of a Cargo Survey

Cargo surveys help:

• Verify cargo quantity and condition
• Document damage, shortages, or contamination
• Support insurance claims
• Confirm compliance with shipping contracts
• Reduce disputes between buyers, sellers, carriers, and insurers
• Monitor proper loading, stowage, and discharge procedures

Types of Cargo Surveys

Pre-Shipment Survey
Conducted before cargo is loaded to document its condition and quantity.

Loading Survey
Monitors cargo loading operations to ensure proper handling and stowage.

Discharge Survey
Performed during unloading to identify shortages, damage, or handling issues.

Damage Survey
Investigates cargo that has been damaged during transit or storage.

Condition Survey
Assesses the quality and condition of cargo at a specific point in the transportation process.

Cargo Commonly Surveyed

• Containerized freight
• Bulk commodities (grain, coal, ore)
• Petroleum products
• Chemicals
• Project cargo
• Machinery and equipment
• Refrigerated cargo
• Agricultural products

Cargo Survey Reports

Reports typically include:

• Cargo description
• Quantity verification
• Condition findings
• Photographs
• Sampling results (if applicable)
• Damage documentation
• Recommendations and conclusions

Tonnage Marine Surveys

A Tonnage Survey determines a vessel’s official tonnage measurements according to national and international regulations.

Contrary to common belief, “tonnage” generally refers to a vessel’s enclosed volume and measurement characteristics rather than its weight.

Purpose of a Tonnage Survey

Tonnage surveys are conducted to:

• Determine a vessel’s gross and net tonnage
• Comply with maritime regulations
• Obtain vessel registration and certification
• Establish port fees and canal charges
• Determine regulatory requirements and inspections
• Support vessel documentation

Types of Tonnage Measurements

Gross Tonnage (GT)
A measure of the vessel’s total enclosed volume used internationally for regulatory purposes.

Net Tonnage (NT)
A measurement reflecting the vessel’s revenue-earning spaces and cargo-carrying capacity.

What the Surveyor Does

The surveyor may:

• Measure vessel dimensions
• Review construction drawings
• Verify enclosed spaces
• Calculate tonnage using applicable regulations
• Prepare documentation for regulatory authorities

Who Uses Tonnage Surveys?

• Vessel owners
• Shipbuilders
• Flag-state administrations
• Classification societies
• Port authorities
• Regulatory agencies

Why These Surveys Matter

Both cargo and tonnage surveys play critical roles in maritime commerce:

• Cargo surveys protect the financial interests of cargo owners, insurers, and carriers by documenting quantity and condition.
• Tonnage surveys ensure vessels are correctly measured and certified for regulatory compliance, registration, fees, and operational requirements.

These surveys are commonly performed by independent marine surveyors, cargo inspectors, classification societies, and maritime consulting firms involved in commercial shipping and transportation.