Steps for conducting a Bunker Survey
Upon the request of a bunker survey, the hour needs to take all the necessary images and/or ullages, temperature records, and pull the representative samples from all the bunker tanks. A bunker surveyor is also expected to take the measurements prior to the cargo transfer and then prior to the vessel’s departure. This would give the vessel owners an idea of the volume of the fuel consumed at the dock. Below is the list of steps performed by the bunker surveyor whilst conducting a bunker survey.
Steps while conducting a bunker survey:
- Make a record and identify the number of bunker tanks with their depths. This can be done by the use of Reference Height and Measuring Methods, i.e., Ullage and Sounding.
- Having the record and the survey analysis of the previously conducted bunker report would be a plus. Also, having a check of the time and place the bunkers were supplied is crucial. The reports conducted by the inspectors will thereby give an idea of the oil density.
- As per the Engine Log Book, getting the record of the quantity of bunker onboard on the time of arrival of the ship, i.eThe arrival condition is essential.
- If the ship inspectors you hired from the ship inspector online portal do not pay heed to check the Ship’s Draft Marks to get a clear picture of Ship Trim for Trim correction then it is high time to change the inspector. They should also check the ship inclination or Listing for List Correction of the vessel.
- Following the above step, they should gauge each tank of the bunker thereby recording the oil level on the tank. A note of the oil temperature should also be made.
- Then, sampling and water cutting of each bunker tank should be done.
- After that, the inspectors from the ship inspector online portal should use the Ship’s trim and List, Oil Temperature and Density, Tank Quantity Table, and ASTM Table for Volume Correction Factor(VCF) to calculate the volume in each vessel.
- This report thus made is to be reviewed by the keen eye and an analysis report should be given. Following this, the discussion for any irregularities should be done to make the required changes.
The bottom line is that one can not take fuel quantity and bunker pricing lightly as it adds up to the vessel’s operating costs. Thus, it is crucial to note that getting a bunker survey performed is relatively cheaper insurance to deter product diversions. If the required changes can not be made as per the report, a Letter of Protest is issued following which an investigation is performed to identify the cause of the same.
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