Extended Operational and Trade Vocabulary

Marine Surveying and Inspection glossary

The surveys and inspections that verify a vessel’s condition and a cargo’s quantity: classification and statutory surveys, acceptance and on/off-hire surveys, draft surveys, damage and abandonment surveys, and the survey reports they produce. Covers the IACS class societies as survey authorities and the surveying methods that underpin claims, charter delivery, and cargo settlement.

560 defined terms.

Showing 250 on this page (page 1 of 3).

A

AAR: Average Adjuster's Report; settlement document apportioning general average contributions.
Abandonment Survey: Inspection following crew abandonment to assess vessel condition and salvageability.
Abrasion Damage: Surface wear of cargo, hull, or coatings caused by friction; commonly noted in steel cargo and hold linings.
ABS: American Bureau of Shipping; IACS member classification society.
Acceptance Survey: Inspection on delivery of a newbuild or chartered vessel confirming compliance with contract specifications.
Access Hole: Opening cut or fitted in structure to allow surveyor entry; subject to closure approval.
Accommodation Inspection: Examination of crew quarters under MLC 2006 Title 3 for habitability and hygiene.
Accumulator Test: Pressure test of hydraulic accumulators on hatch cover and steering systems.
Acid Wash Test: Cargo quality test for residual hydrocarbons on tanker tank surfaces after cleaning.
Active Corrosion: Ongoing metal loss with visible scale, pitting, or wastage requiring action.
Actual Cargo Quantity: Quantity established by independent draft, ullage, or shore measurement at load or discharge.
Adjuster: see Average Adjuster; the practitioner who calculates general average or particular average claims.
Adventitious Water: Free water present in cargo from sources other than the cargo itself.
Aft Draft: Reading taken at the aft draft marks on both sides.
Aft Perpendicular (AP): Reference point at the after side of the rudder post; basis for draft and trim calculations.
Air draft: Vertical distance from waterline to highest fixed point of the ship.
Air Pipe: Vent pipe from tanks; subject to head and closure inspection.
Air Test: Pneumatic leak test of tank boundaries at low pressure to verify tightness.
Allowable Diminution: Maximum thickness loss permitted by class before steel renewal is required.
Aluminum Tape Test: Wall wash test for chloride contamination in clean petroleum tanks.
Ambient Conditions Record: Logged temperature, humidity, and dew point during coating, gauging, or hold inspection.
Anchor Cable Survey: Class inspection of anchor chain links, shackles, and joining components.
Anchor Survey: Examination of stockless or stocked anchors, including weighing and lay out on jetty.
Annual Survey (AS): Statutory or class survey performed yearly within a three-month window of anniversary date.
Anode Inspection: Visual check of sacrificial anodes in ballast tanks and on underwater hull.
API Gravity: American Petroleum Institute density scale; higher API = lighter crude.
Apparent Good Order: Statement on a clean bill of lading indicating no visible external damage on shipment.
Approved Service Supplier: Firm authorized by class to perform UTG, IWS, or service work used for class purposes.
Arrival Condition: Vessel state at port arrival including drafts, ballast, fuel, and trim.
As-Built Drawings: Original construction plans used as reference for structural and gauging surveys.
ASNT Level II/III: NDT certification levels required for technicians performing class-relevant inspections.
Asphaltene Deposit: Heavy hydrocarbon residue often found in crude oil tanks during cleanliness surveys.
Astern Trial: Sea trial element verifying astern propulsion performance during sea or commissioning surveys.
Atmospheric Test: Gas, oxygen, and toxic measurement before entry into enclosed spaces.
Audit Trail: Documented chain of survey evidence including photos, logs, and instrument records.

B

Backing Plate: Reinforcement plate beneath fittings; checked during structural surveys.
Ballast condition: Loading condition with no cargo, only ballast water and consumables.
Ballast Tank: Tank dedicated to seawater ballast; close-up surveyed under Enhanced Survey Programme.
Ballast water record book: Record of all ballast operations.
Bareboat Charter Survey: Inspection at delivery and redelivery under a demise charter party.
Barge Survey: Inspection of dumb or self-propelled barges for condition, lashings, and freeboard.
Bell-mouth: Flared suction inlet at the bottom of a bunker tank.
Bending Strength: Section property assessed against minimum class scantlings during gauging.
Berthing Survey: Pre-arrival inspection of berth, fenders, bollards, and clearance for safe berthing.
Bilge Holding Tank: Tank for collected bilge water; sounded and inspected for MARPOL compliance.
Bilge Survey: Inspection of bilge wells, alarms, suction lines, and oily water management.
Bill of Lading Survey: Quantity and condition verification supporting clausing or clean release of bills.
Black Powder: Iron sulfide and iron oxide deposit in gas systems; noted in pipeline surveys.
Black Products: Heavy refined oils such as fuel oil, bunker, asphalt.
Black water: Sewage as defined in MARPOL Annex IV.
Blanket Hold Cleanliness: Cleanliness suitable for general cargoes excluding grain or sensitive products.
Blistering: Coating defect with localized swelling; recorded during ballast tank inspections.
Blue Card: certificate issued by a P&I club evidencing insurance for liabilities under CLC 1992, Bunker Convention 2001, Wreck Removal Convention 2007, or Athens 2002.
Boat Drill Verification: Witnessing scheduled abandonment ship drill during MLC and ISM audits.
Boiler survey: Class survey of boilers, typically twice in five years.
Booster Pump Test: Verification of cargo pump performance during pre-loading or pre-discharge surveys.
Bottom Plug: Removable plug giving access to bottom plating; not common on modern vessels but inspected when present.
Bottom Survey: External examination of underwater hull, traditionally in drydock; may be IWS where approved.
Bow Survey: Examination of bow plating, stem, forepeak, and bulbous bow after grounding or collision.
Bridge Equipment Survey: Verification of navigation equipment under SOLAS Chapter V.
Bridge Visibility Survey: Compliance check with SOLAS V Regulation 22 forward visibility requirements.
Brittle Fracture: Sudden cleavage type failure in steel; inspected after heavy weather damage.
Bunker Calculation Sheet: Worksheet showing tank ullages, temperatures, densities, and quantity computations.
Bunker Delivery Note (BDN): Required under MARPOL Annex VI Regulation 18.
Bunker survey: Quantity and quality measurement at delivery and redelivery.
Bunker Tank Inspection: Visual examination of fuel tanks for sediment, sludge, and structural condition.
BWMP: Ballast Water Management Plan reviewed during BWMC surveys.
BWMS Commissioning Test: Performance verification of ballast water treatment system after installation.

C

CAP Rating: Condition Assessment Programme rating issued by class for tankers and bulkers.
Cargo Calculation: Computation of cargo quantity using volume, density, and correction factors.
Cargo Compatibility Check: Verification of cargo and tank coating, residue, and previous-cargo compatibility.
Cargo Damage Survey: Inspection establishing nature, extent, and cause of cargo damage.
Cargo Gear Survey: Examination and load testing of cranes, derricks, and lifting appliances.
Cargo Hold Cleanliness Survey: Inspection grading holds as load-ready for grain, ore, coal, or other cargoes.
Cargo Hose Survey: Pressure test and inspection of cargo transfer hoses including marking and certification.
Cargo Manifest Check: Reconciliation of stowed cargo against documentary manifest.
Cargo Plan Audit: Review of stowage plan against stability, sequence, and segregation rules.
Cargo Sampling: Drawing of representative samples by approved methods for laboratory testing.
Cargo Securing Manual (CSM): Approved manual whose application is verified during lashing surveys.
Cargo Tank Atmosphere Check: Oxygen and hydrocarbon measurement before tank entry or loading.
Cargoworthy Survey: Determination of vessel and hold suitability to carry the intended cargo.
Carriage Temperature Record: Logged cargo temperatures verified during outturn surveys.
Casualty Survey: Investigation following grounding, collision, fire, or other marine casualty.
Cathodic protection survey: Inspection of sacrificial anodes and impressed current systems.
CCS: Cargo Containment System under the IGC and IGF Codes.
Certificate of Class: Document issued by class confirming the vessel is in class.
Certificate of Fitness (COF): Statutory certificate for chemical and gas carriers under IBC and IGC Codes.
Certificate of Registry: Ship's document evidencing flag registration.
Certificate of Survey: Document recording satisfactory completion of a statutory or class survey.
CGS: Cargo Gear Survey; statutory inspection of lifting appliances under ILO 152 and flag rules.
Charterer's Survey: On-hire or off-hire condition survey instructed by the charterer.
Chemical Tanker Inspection: Vetting and class inspections specific to IBC Code vessels.
Chief Surveyor: Senior class representative supervising survey activity in a region.
Class Notation: Class society designation reflecting compliance with construction and equipment rules incorporated into SOLAS by reference.
Class Renewal Survey: Five yearly comprehensive class survey equivalent to Special Survey.
Close-Up Survey: Inspection where details of structure are within reach of the surveyor.
Coating Condition Assessment: Grading of paint as GOOD, FAIR, or POOR per IACS UR Z10.
Coating Inspector: NACE or FROSIO certified inspector for newbuild or repair coating works.
Coffer Dam: Void space between two tanks; inspected for tightness and structural condition.
Cold Work Permit: Permit issued for non-spark generating work, reviewed during port surveys.
Collision Bulkhead Inspection: Watertight integrity check of forward most transverse bulkhead.
Combustion Gas Sample: Stack sample for EEXI and CII verification surveys.
Commercial Survey: Survey arranged by owners, charterers, or insurers outside statutory regime.
Compass Adjustment Survey: Verification of magnetic compass deviation table by licensed adjuster.
Compliance Survey: Verification of compliance with specific regulations such as MARPOL Annex VI.
Condensate Cargo Survey: Quantity and quality verification of light hydrocarbon condensate.
Condition Survey: Overall assessment of structural and machinery condition for insurance or sale.
Constants: Difference between vessel light displacement and displacement at survey draft minus declared weights.
Constructive Total Loss (CTL): total loss under section 60 of the Marine Insurance Act 1906 where actual total loss appears unavoidable or repairs would exceed the repaired value (ITC Hulls 1/10/83 uses insured value).
Contamination Survey: Investigation of cargo contamination by previous cargo, water, or foreign matter.
Continuous Hull Survey (CHS): Class system spreading Special Survey hull items across the five year cycle.
Continuous Machinery Survey (CMS): Class system spreading Special Survey machinery items across the cycle.
Cooling Test: Refrigerated cargo space cooling rate verification for reefer surveys.
Coordinated Survey: Joint attendance by class, flag, and underwriter surveyors.
Copper Strip Test: ASTM D130 corrosion test on petroleum samples for sulfur reactivity.
Correspondent Survey: Survey conducted by a local P&I correspondent's nominated surveyor.
Corrosion margin: Allowance added to net thickness per class rules.
Crack Survey: Inspection and mapping of cracks in deck, hatch coamings, and bulkheads.
Crew Habitability Survey: MLC inspection of accommodation, food, water, and welfare facilities.
CSC Plate: Container Safety Convention safety approval plate; verified on container surveys.
CSR: Continuous Synopsis Record; sighted during ISM and ISPS audits.
CSS Code: IMO Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing.
CTM Calculation: Cargo transferred measured calculation in petroleum surveys.
Cygnus Gauge: Branded multi-echo ultrasonic thickness gauge widely used in marine UTG.

D

Damage Stability Survey: Verification that damage stability information is on board and current.
Damage Survey: Investigation into hull, machinery, or cargo damage and probable cause.
Dangerous Goods Inspection: Verification of IMDG segregation, packaging, marking, and documentation.
Date of Build: Build completion date affecting survey cycles and PSC targeting.
Davit Survey: Examination and load testing of lifeboat and rescue boat launching appliances.
DCT (Dynamic Compaction Test): Test used in dredger and barge surveys for cargo settlement.
Deadband Test: Calibration check on level alarms during automation surveys.
Deadweight Constant: Sum of fixed weights not declared individually in draft survey calculations.
Deadweight Survey: Determination of available deadweight at given draft using hydrostatics.
Delivery Survey: Condition survey at vessel delivery under sale or charter contract.
Demurrage Calculation: Time calculation supported by statement of facts and surveyor logs.
Density at 15 C in Air: Petroleum density used for invoice quantity calculations.
Density at 15 C in Vacuum: Petroleum density reported by laboratories for reference.
Departure Condition: Vessel state at departure including drafts, cargo, fuel, and stability.
Depth Sounding: Manual or remote measurement of liquid depth in a tank.
Derating Survey: Recalculation of installed power for EEDI or EEXI purposes verified by survey.
Design Draft: Draft used as basis for hydrostatic and scantling design.
Dew Point Survey: Measurement of dew point during coating, blasting, or grain hold preparation.
Diesel Generator Survey: Class inspection of auxiliary generators under CMS or Special Survey.
Discharge Plan Review: Verification of cargo discharge sequence against stress and stability.
Discharge Survey: Quantity and condition check at port of discharge.
Displacement (Δ): Mass of water displaced equal to vessel mass at floating equilibrium.
DNV: Det Norske Veritas (DNV); IACS member classification society.
DOC: Document of Compliance issued to company under the ISM Code.
Dock Water Allowance (DWA): Allowance for difference between dock water and standard salt water density.
Documentation Survey: Review of vessel certificates, manuals, and records for completeness and validity.
Double Bottom Inspection: Close-up survey of inner bottom and bottom shell structure within DB tanks.
Double Hull Inspection: Close-up survey of side ballast tanks and inner hull on double-hull tankers.
Draft Mark Survey: Verification that draft marks are correctly painted and legible.
Draft survey: Cargo weight determination by hydrostatic calculation.
Drydock Survey: Out-of-water survey of underwater hull, rudder, propeller, and sea valves.
Dunnage Survey: Verification of dunnage type, condition, and adequacy for cargo support.
Dye Penetrant Test (DPT): NDT method for surface crack detection during structural surveys.

E

EEDI Verification Survey: Initial energy efficiency design verification on newbuilds.
EEXI Verification Survey: One time energy efficiency verification for existing ships under MARPOL Annex VI.
Electrical Continuity Test: Bonding and earthing verification of cargo and tank systems.
Electrical Survey: Inspection of generators, switchboards, cables, and emergency power systems.
Emergency Generator Test: Verification of auto-start and load take-up during SOLAS surveys.
Endorsement Survey: Class attendance for confirmation of repairs or modifications.
Engine Crankshaft Deflection: Periodic measurement to assess crankshaft alignment.
Engine Room Bilge Survey: Inspection of bilges, sounding pipes, alarms, and OWS connections.
Enhanced Survey Programme (ESP): Mandatory close-up and gauging regime for tankers and bulk carriers.
EPIRB Annual Test: Verification of self test, battery date, and HRU on emergency beacons.
Equipment Number (EN): Class derived number used to size anchors and mooring lines.
Escape Route Survey: Inspection of escape ways, signage, and emergency lighting under SOLAS II-2.
ETA Survey: Pre-arrival condition survey conducted before vessel reaches berth.
Exemption Certificate: Statutory document showing flag-granted exemption; verified during surveys.
Expansion Trunk: Trunk above tanker tank top to allow thermal expansion; inspected for tightness.
External Coating Survey: Inspection of topsides and superstructure coating condition.

F

Failure Investigation: Detailed survey following machinery breakdown or structural failure.
Fairlead Inspection: Examination of fairleads, rollers, and chocks for wear and securing.
FFE (Fixed Fire Extinguishing): System whose annual servicing and survey are SOLAS required.
Final Draft Survey: Survey at completion of loading or discharge.
Final Outturn Report: Report stating quantity and condition of cargo at end of discharge.
Fire Damage Survey: Investigation of fire extent, cause, and structural impact.
Fire Detection System Test: Functional test of smoke and heat detectors and panel response.
Fire Door Inspection: Verification of self-closing, sealing, and rating of A class doors.
Fire Drill Witnessing: Surveyor attendance at scheduled fire drill for MLC and ISM audits.
Fire Hydrant Pressure Test: Verification of fire main pressure at most remote hydrant.
Fire Pump Test: Operational test of main and emergency fire pumps under SOLAS.
Fire Wallet: Plan locker outside accommodation containing fire and safety plans.
First Trim Correction: Initial trim correction in draft survey calculation.
Fixed Fire System Survey: Annual examination of CO2, foam, or water mist installations.
Flag Survey: Statutory survey conducted by flag state or recognized organization.
Flame Screen Inspection: Examination of flame arresters and screens on tank vents.
Flammability Test: Atmospheric test below LEL before hot work in tanks.
Flap Valve Survey: Inspection of non-return flap valves on ventilators and overboard lines.
Flexible Hose Inspection: Annual visual and pressure test of flexible hoses.
Floating Crane Survey: Class and load test of floating cranes under cargo gear regime.
Foam System Survey: Tank deck foam system inspection on tankers under SOLAS II-2.
Fore Draft: Reading at forward draft marks on both port and starboard.
Forepeak Inspection: Close-up survey of forepeak tank structure and chain locker.
Forward perpendicular (FP): Vertical line at the intersection of waterline and stem.
Foul Bottom Survey: Underwater inspection assessing marine growth on hull.
Free surface correction: Reduction in GM due to liquid free surface in tanks.
Freeboard Survey: Verification of load line marks, freeboard, and statutory openings.
Freshwater Allowance (FWA): Allowance for the change in draft when moving between salt and fresh water.
FROSIO Inspector: Norwegian certified coating inspector recognized for newbuild and repair work.
Fuel Oil Sample Witness: Surveyor attendance at MARPOL Annex VI sample drawing.
Fumigation Survey: Inspection before, during, or after cargo fumigation under IMO guidance.
Funnel Survey: Examination of funnel casing, exhaust uptakes, and spark arrester where fitted.

G

Galley Inspection: MLC and flag state inspection of galley hygiene and equipment.
Gas Carrier Survey: IGC Code specific survey of cargo containment and gas handling systems.
Gas Free Survey: Testing of tank atmospheres for hydrocarbon, oxygen, and toxic gases prior to hot work or entry.
Gas-free certificate: Certificate before hot work in tanks.
Gauge Calibration Record: Documentation of UTG and atmospheric meter calibration.
Gauging Report: Document recording thickness measurements with location plans.
General Average Survey: Surveyor's assessment supporting average adjuster's calculations.
Gland Packing Inspection: Examination of stern tube and pump glands for leakage.
Going Bunkers: Bunkers consumed between two draft surveys at the same port.
Grain Hold Survey: Inspection of holds for grain readiness including cleanliness and securing.
Grain Loading Booklet Check: Verification of approved grain stability information on board.
Gravity Tape: Combined ullage, temperature, and water tape used in petroleum surveys.
Grooving Corrosion: Linear corrosion along weld toes; mapped during ballast tank survey.
Gross Observed Volume (GOV): Cargo volume at observed temperature including water and sediment.
Gross Standard Volume (GSV): Volume at 15 degrees C corrected from observed conditions.
Ground Tackle Survey: Inspection of anchors, chain, windlass, and brake holding power.
Grounding Survey: Bottom and structural inspection after touching bottom or grounding.

H

Hand Held Refractometer Check: Quality check on cargo and tank residue samples.
Hard Patch Survey: Inspection and approval of permanent hard insert plate repair.
Hard Scale: Tightly adhering rust scale; recorded and removed before gauging.
Hatch Coaming Survey: Inspection of coamings, top plates, and corner brackets.
Hatch Cover Hose Test: Watertightness test of hatch covers with pressurized water.
Hatch Cover Survey: Inspection of weathertight covers including seals, cleats, and panels.
Hatch Sealing Tape Inspection: Verification of tape application for moisture sensitive cargoes.
HAZMAT Inventory Survey: Verification of Inventory of Hazardous Materials under HKC and EU SRR.
Heating Coil Test: Pressure test of cargo heating coils on product tankers.
Heel Correction: Correction for list applied to mean draft in draft surveys.
High Holding Power Anchor: Anchor type whose certification is checked during anchor surveys.
Hog Correction: Correction for hogging deformation applied to mean of means.
Hold Bilge Inspection: Examination of bilge wells, strums, and non-return valves.
Hold Cleanliness Standards: Grades such as Hospital Clean, Grain Clean, Normal Clean, Shovel Clean.
Hold Ladder Inspection: Inspection of fixed and inclined access ladders within holds.
Hopper Tank Inspection: Close-up survey of hopper structure in bulk carrier side tanks.
Hot Work Permit Audit: Verification that hot work permits and atmospheric tests are recorded.
HSSC: Harmonized System of Survey and Certification under SOLAS, MARPOL, Load Lines, and BCH/IBC/IGC/BWM.
Hull and Machinery (H&M) Survey: Insurance survey covering hull, machinery, and equipment.
Hull Cleaning Survey: Inspection before and after in-water hull cleaning.
Hull Vetting Inspection: Charterer or terminal screening inspection of vessel condition.
Hydrant Cap Inspection: Verification of hydrant caps, gaskets, and spanners.
Hydraulic Test: Pressure test using water to verify tank or pipe integrity.
Hydrocarbon Sniff Test: LEL meter check for residual hydrocarbon in tanks.
Hydrostatic Release Unit (HRU) Check: Verification of HRU expiry on liferaft cradles.
Hydrostatic Table: Tabulation of displacement and related data versus draft.

I

IACS Member: Classification society belonging to International Association of Classification Societies.
IAFS Certificate: International Anti-Fouling System Certificate under AFS Convention.