A loading survey is an independent inspection carried out while bulk chemicals are loaded into an ISO tank, a road tanker or a ship's tank. The surveyor checks that the tank is clean and fit, measures the quantity loaded, draws and seals samples, and records the seals.
It matters because bulk cargo cannot be counted like drums. Once the product is in the tank, the survey report is your main evidence of what quantity and quality left India.
What the surveyor checks before loading
- The tank's cleaning certificate and the record of its previous cargoes, for ISO tanks and ship tanks alike.
- A visual inspection of the tank interior, where it is safe and permitted to look, for residue, rust, water or odour.
- For ship tanks carrying sensitive products, a wall-wash test, in which the tank walls are rinsed and the rinse is tested for contamination.
- The condition of valves, gaskets, hoses and lines, which can carry residue from earlier cargo.
- The shore tank or source the product is being loaded from, with its batch number and certificate of analysis.
Measuring the quantity
For ISO tanks and road tankers, quantity is usually measured by weighbridge, weighing the vehicle before and after filling. For ship tanks and shore tanks, surveyors gauge the liquid level, measure temperature and density, and calculate the volume using calibration tables.
Temperature matters because liquids expand as they warm. The surveyor converts the measured volume to a standard temperature, so loaded and discharged quantities can be compared fairly.
Sampling and sealing
Samples are drawn at set points. A common pattern is a sample from the shore tank, a first-foot sample after a small amount has been loaded, and samples from the full tank at several levels. The first-foot sample is tested quickly, because contamination shows up there first and loading can stop before the whole cargo is spoiled.
Samples are split and sealed, with numbered seals recorded in the report. Sampling methods are covered in drawing a chemical sample correctly. The tank is then sealed, and the seal numbers appear on the shipping documents.
Dry bulk cargo
For dry bulk such as salt, soda ash or bentonite in a ship's hold, the survey is different. The surveyor inspects the holds for cleanliness and dryness, measures quantity by draft survey, and samples during loading for moisture and purity. See checking moisture and purity at loading.
What the report should contain
- Tank or hold inspection results, with photos where allowed.
- The quantity loaded, the measurement method and any corrections applied.
- Sampling points, sample numbers and seal numbers.
- Any delay, problem or deviation from your instructions, and what was done about it.
Next step
Appoint the surveyor yourself, not through the seller, so the report works for you. We arrange and supervise loading surveys at Gujarat plants and ports. To start, book a free sourcing review.