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IME Marine Group

Marine surveys, inspections and certificates · IME

Draft and deadweight surveys

IME determines the weight of bulk cargo loaded or discharged by measuring the vessel's displacement before and after the operation. The calculation accounts for water density, ballast, fuel, fresh water, trim, list, the vessel's deformation and the weather, and gives the parties an independent figure for the cargo.

A bulk carrier at anchor in calm water under an overcast sky

Where we attend

Each office attends the ports of its region 24 hours a day, and appointed surveyors attend the ports between them. Choose the port to see who attends.

Find a service in your port

Service

When you need it

  1. 01

    Bulk cargo is loaded or discharged

    Shipper, receiver, charterer or owner needs the quantity established independently at the port.

  2. 02

    A shortage claim is expected

    The owner orders a draft survey after loading and before discharge, as evidence against a claim for missing cargo.

  3. 03

    A short shipment is suspected

    A deadweight survey shows whether the vessel could have carried more, and the freight that may have been lost.

The surveys

IME surveyor standing in the empty cargo hold of a bulk carrier

01

Loading and discharge draft surveys

The quantity of grain, cement, coal, iron ore, fertiliser and other bulk cargo loaded or discharged, measured from the vessel's displacement before and after.

02

Independent quantity evidence

A figure that neither the shipper nor the receiver produced, to monitor shrinkage and reduce the exposure on the cargo.

03

Deadweight surveys

An assessment of the vessel's deadweight, to establish a possible short shipment and the freight lost with it.

To arrange it, send us

  1. 01The vessel's name and IMO number
  2. 02The port or terminal, and the date or ETA
  3. 03The cargo and the quantity on the bill of lading
  4. 04Loading or discharge, and whether an initial and a final survey are needed
  5. 05The party you represent and your reference

What you receive

A draft survey report with the readings, the corrections applied and the quantity of cargo, as evidence for the parties and their insurers.

Response
We reply to every request within 24 to 48 hours at the latest.
Report
Preliminary report within 24 hours of the inspection; final report within 10 days.

Who provides it

International Marine Experts

International Marine Experts

Marine surveys, cargo inspections and marine chemist services.

Independence

IME attends as an independent surveyor. Findings are recorded as they are, and reports are prepared to stand on their own before third parties. IME's surveys and Bierman Pautt's legal work are contracted, staffed and reported separately.

About IME

What backs it

  1. Membership

    Listed surveyor for CESAM, DPS and TNM

    Issued by
    CESAM, DPS and TNM
    Scope
    IME is named on the surveyor panels of all three.
    Held byInternational Marine Experts

  2. Membership

    Member of the TIC Council

    Issued by
    TIC Council
    Scope
    The international association for the testing, inspection and certification industry.
    Held byInternational Marine Experts

  3. Certification

    ISO 9001:2015 certification

    GCL International and UKAS ISO 9001 certification mark, registration 86Q15045
    Issued by
    GCL International, under UKAS accreditation
    Reference
    ISO 9001:2015, 86Q15045
    Scope
    Quality Management System against the provisions of ISO 9001:2015 International Standard.
    Validity
    Valid from 18 April 2025 to 18 April 2028
    Held byInternational Marine Experts
IME surveyor standing on the forecastle of a vessel at anchor

Arrange a draft survey

Send the port, the date and the cargo. The office of that region answers 24 hours a day.

Request assistance

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