Extended Operational and Trade Vocabulary

Marine Surveying and Inspection glossary (page 2)

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 2 of 3).

I

IAPP Certificate: International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate under MARPOL Annex VI.
IBTS Plan: Integrated Bilge water Treatment System plan reviewed during MARPOL surveys.
ICCP System Check: Impressed Current Cathodic Protection performance verification.
IEEC Certificate: International Energy Efficiency Certificate under MARPOL Annex VI.
IGS Survey: Inert Gas System inspection of generator, scrubber, blowers, and deck seal.
IHM Initial Survey: Inventory of Hazardous Materials verification under Hong Kong Convention.
IIC: Initial, Intermediate, Annual, Renewal, Occasional Survey scheme under harmonized survey.
Immersion Suit Inspection: Annual examination and pressure test of immersion suits.
Immersion Test: Tightness test by external water pressure on watertight closures.
Imperial Density: Density in pounds per cubic foot, used in some petroleum calculations.
In Water Survey (IWS): Class accepted survey of underwater hull performed afloat by divers.
Independent surveyor: P&I or charterer surveyor attending operations.
Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass): IACS member classification society.
Inert Condition Verification: Confirmation that tanks are within inert atmosphere parameters.
Initial Survey: First survey before issuance of a certificate under SOLAS I/7-10.
Innage: Depth of liquid measured from tank bottom; opposite of ullage.
Inspection Window: Time window in which annual, intermediate, or renewal surveys may be held.
Intact Stability Survey: Verification of intact stability information and conditions.
Intermediate Survey (IS): Class survey held between second and third anniversaries of class certificate.
International Load Line Certificate: SOLAS-related freeboard certificate.
International Tonnage Certificate: Certificate stating gross and net tonnage under ITC 1969.
IOPP Certificate: International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate under MARPOL Annex I.
IOPP Supplement Form A/B: Supplements describing equipment on non-tank or oil tank vessels.
ISGOTT Atmospheric Check: Tank atmosphere checks per International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals.
ISM audit: Audit of safety management system under ISM Code.
ISO Sample: Cargo sample drawn by recognized ISO methodology.
ISPP Certificate: International Sewage Pollution Prevention Certificate under MARPOL Annex IV.
ISSC: International Ship Security Certificate under ISPS Code.

J

Joining Shackle Inspection: Check of Kenter and D type shackles on anchor cables.
Joint Hull Committee: Lloyd's market underwriter committee for hull insurance.
Joint Inspection: Survey attended jointly by buyer, seller, and independent surveyor.
Joint Sample: Sample drawn jointly by ship, shore, and independent surveyor and sealed.
Joint Survey Report: Report signed by multiple surveyors representing different interests.
JR Joining Shackle: Joining shackle inspected during anchor cable survey.

K

K Class Notation: Class notation indicating specific equipment standards; verified during surveys.
Keel Block Plan: Drydock plan verified before keel laying or undocking.
Keel Laid Date: Date affecting application of conventions; verified from build records.
Kenter shackle: Patent connecting link replacing a length of chain.
KR (Korean Register): IACS member classification society.

L

Ladder Survey: Inspection of pilot, gangway, accommodation, and tank ladders for compliance.
Laden Voyage Survey: Inspection during cargo laden voyages for casualty or P&I purposes.
Lamp Test: Functional test of indicator lamps on safety panels.
Larsen Method: Specific draft survey calculation procedure for hogging or sagging vessels.
Lashing Survey: Inspection of cargo securing arrangement and equipment.
Last Cargo Verification: Documentary check of last three cargoes for compatibility surveys.
Layup Survey: Inspection before, during, and after vessel layup; required by insurers.
Leak Test: Pneumatic, hydraulic, or vacuum test for tightness.
Letter of Protest (LOP): Formal written objection issued during cargo operations.
Lifeboat Annual Survey: Examination, lowering, and engine run test annually.
Lifeboat Five Year Test: Overload, operational, and on load release gear testing.
Lifeboat On-Load Release Inspection: Maintenance and operational test of release mechanism.
Lifebuoy Inspection: Check of lifebuoy markings, lights, and self-igniting devices.
Lifejacket Inspection: Annual check of lifejackets, lights, and whistles.
Liferaft Annual Service: Servicing at approved station with surveyor witnessing where required.
Lift Test: Operational test of lifts and personnel hoists during MLC inspections.
Light Displacement: Vessel weight in lightship condition; basis for draft calculations.
Light Ship Survey: Empty ship inclining or measurement to determine lightship weight and KG.
Limited Class Service: Restricted classed condition pending recommended repairs.
Liquefaction Risk Assessment: TML and moisture content check for Group A IMSBC cargoes.
List Correction: Correction applied to drafts and ullages due to vessel list.
Load Line Survey: Annual and renewal survey of conditions of assignment.
Load Test Certificate: Document evidencing proof load on cranes and lifting gear.
Loadicator Check: Verification of loading computer against approved test conditions.
Loading Plan Review: Surveyor review of cargo plan against stress and stability limits.
Loadometer Test: Functional verification of stress monitoring system.
Logbook Audit: Review of deck, engine, oil record, and garbage logs.
LR (Lloyd's Register): IACS member classification society.
Lubricating Oil Sample: Sampling for laboratory analysis during machinery surveys.

M

Machinery Damage Survey: Investigation into machinery breakdown and required repairs.
Machinery Space Bilge Test: Functional test of bilge alarms and pumps.
Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI): NDT method for surface and near surface crack detection.
Main Engine Performance Test: Sea or shop trial verification of engine output.
Manhole Cover Inspection: Examination of manhole covers, studs, and gaskets.
Manifold Survey: Inspection of cargo manifold, drip trays, blanks, and reducers.
Manual Sounding: Tape based liquid measurement when remote gauging is unavailable.
Master's Receipt: Receipt for cargo issued by master based on tally.
Mean Draft of Means: Final mean draft after first and second trim corrections.
Mean of Means: Calculation step combining forward, aft, and midship drafts.
Measurement Survey: Tonnage measurement for issuance of tonnage certificates.
Memorandum of Class: List of outstanding class conditions and recommendations.
Midship Draft: Reading at midship draft marks port and starboard.
MLC Inspection: Maritime Labour Convention 2006 inspection by flag or RO.
Modal Test: Vibration verification of ship structure or machinery foundations.
Mooring Equipment Inspection: Examination of winches, ropes, and stoppers.
Mooring Line Inspection: Visual and load history check of synthetic and wire ropes.
Mooring Trial: Pre sea trial verification of mooring equipment functionality.
MOU PSC Inspection: Port State Control inspection under regional MOU.
MSDS Verification: Material Safety Data Sheet check during cargo and bunker surveys.
Mud box: Sea chest sediment trap.

N

NACE Inspector: Coating inspector certified under NACE (now AMPP) program.
NDT Survey: Non Destructive Testing survey covering MPI, DPT, UT, RT, and ET methods.
Net Standard Volume (NSV): Petroleum volume at 15 C excluding sediment and water.
New Construction Survey: Class attendance during newbuild from steel cutting to delivery.
NK (ClassNK / Nippon Kaiji Kyokai): IACS member classification society.
NLS Certificate: International Pollution Prevention Certificate for the Carriage of NLS in Bulk.
NLS Tank Survey: Inspection and stripping verification for Noxious Liquid Substance tanks.
NOR (Notice of Readiness): Ship's notification at port that it is ready to bunker.
Note of Protest: Master's formal protest before notary; supported by survey records.
Nox Technical File: NOx Technical File required for marine engines under MARPOL Annex VI.
Nozzle Test: Verification of fuel injector spray pattern during engine survey.
NPV Sample: Composite sample drawn from multiple tanks for analysis.

O

OBQ (On Board Quantity): Material on board before loading including cargo residue, water, and sediment.
Occasional Survey: Class survey arranged outside scheduled cycle for damage or modifications.
OCIMF SIRE Inspection: Tanker vetting inspection under OCIMF Ship Inspection Report Exchange.
Off-hire survey: Joint survey at redelivery.
Officer's Endorsement Check: Verification of officer certificates and endorsements under STCW.
Official Number Verification: Confirmation of registration markings during pre-purchase surveys.
Oil Discharge Monitoring (ODME) Test: Functional test of MARPOL Annex I monitoring equipment.
Oil Record Book (ORB) Audit: Review of Parts I and II entries during MARPOL surveys.
Oily Water Separator (OWS) Survey: Annual inspection and operational test of 15 ppm equipment.
On-Hire Survey: Joint survey at delivery into time charter recording condition and bunkers.
Open Hatch Inspection: Inspection inside holds with hatches open after cleaning.
Operational Test: Functional test of equipment under simulated or actual conditions.
Out of Class: Status when survey is overdue or recommendations not closed.
Outturn Statement: Document recording quantity received against bill of lading.
Outturn Survey: Final survey at discharge to determine quantity and condition.
Owner's Surveyor: Surveyor representing the shipowner's interests.

P

P&I Cargo Survey: Cargo damage survey on behalf of P&I club.
P&I Correspondent Survey: Local survey appointed via P&I club correspondent network.
P&I Survey Report: Report submitted to club in standard format with photographs and conclusions.
Packaging Inspection: Verification of UN, IMDG, or commercial packaging condition.
Paint Locker Inspection: Examination of storage of flammables and ventilation.
Painting Survey: Inspection of preparation, application, and DFT during coating works.
Paris MOU Inspection: Port State Control inspection under the Paris MOU regime.
Particular Average Survey: Underwriter survey for partial loss of insured property.
Passenger Ship Safety Certificate Survey: SOLAS survey for passenger vessels.
Passing Bunker Survey: Bunker survey conducted while vessel is not at owners' berth.
Penetration Sample: Sample drawn at specified depths in tanks before loading or discharge.
Performance Standards Verification: Confirmation that equipment meets IMO performance standards.
Periodic Survey: General term for scheduled class or statutory surveys.
Pilot Ladder Inspection: SOLAS and IMPA compliance check of pilot ladder and rigging.
Pipe Renewal Survey: Inspection following renewal of damaged or wasted piping.
Pitting Corrosion: Localized pit type corrosion; mapped and gauged during ESP.
Plimsoll Mark Verification: Inspection of load line marks and disc.
Port State Control (PSC) Inspection: Inspection by port state authorities under MOUs.
Post Discharge Survey: Inspection of empty holds for residues and damage after discharge.
Post Fixture Survey: Survey conducted after charter party fixture for compliance verification.
Pre-Loading Survey: Inspection of holds, lashings, and cargo condition before loading.
Pre-Purchase Survey (PPS): Comprehensive condition survey before vessel sale and purchase.
Pre-Sea Trial Survey: Final survey before delivery and acceptance sea trials.
Pre-Shipment Inspection: Quantity and quality check at production or warehouse before shipment.
Pre-Wash Survey: Verification of prewash and discharge of NLS residues under MARPOL Annex II.
Pressure Test: Hydrostatic or pneumatic test for tightness and strength.
Prismatic Coefficient Check: Cross check of hydrostatic data during draft surveys.
Pro forma Calculation: Draft survey worksheet using approved format.
Propeller Inspection: Examination of blades, hub, and rope guard during drydock.
Propulsion Performance Test: Verification of speed and power on sea trials.
PSC Detention: Formal detention by port state pending rectification of deficiencies.

Q

Quality Certificate Verification: Cross check of laboratory certificate against ship and shore samples.
Quality Inspection: Sampling and laboratory analysis of liquid or bulk cargo.
Quarterly Drill Verification: Confirmation of fire, abandonment, and security drills during PSC.
Quayside Survey: Survey conducted alongside before or after loading.
Quick Closing Valve Test: Verification of remote closures on fuel and lube oil tanks.

R

Radar Survey: Performance and equipment standards check of navigational radars.
Radio Survey: GMDSS equipment survey under SOLAS Chapter IV.
Reefer Container Survey: PTI and condition inspection of refrigerated containers.
Refrigerated Cargo Survey: Cold treatment and temperature verification during loading and voyage.
Refrigeration Plant Survey: Class inspection of refrigerating machinery and insulation.
Reinspection: Follow up inspection to verify rectification of deficiencies.
Remote Sounding Calibration: Calibration check of fixed level gauges against manual sounding.
Renewal Survey: Survey at intervals not exceeding five years.
Repair Survey: Class survey covering repairs to damaged or wasted structure.
Report of Inspection (ROI): PSC report issued at end of inspection.
Residual Cargo Survey: Measurement of OBQ and ROB in tanker surveys.
Restricted Class: Class status with operational restrictions due to outstanding items.
Retrofit Survey: Class attendance for installation of EGCS, BWMS, or other systems.
Reverse Osmosis Survey: Inspection of fresh water generators for STP and accommodation supply.
RHIB Inspection: Examination of rescue boat and launching gear.
Rina (Registro Italiano Navale): IACS member classification society.
Risk Assessment Review: Surveyor review of operational risk assessments during ISM audits.
ROB (Remaining On Board): Quantity of fuel in tanks at the moment of survey.
Routine Inspection: Periodic inspection by crew, owner, or class.
RS (Russian Maritime Register of Shipping): IACS member classification society.
Rudder Survey: Inspection of rudder plating, pintles, bearings, and stops.

S

SafCon Certificate: Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate under SOLAS.
Safety Equipment Survey: SOLAS survey of LSA, FFA, and navigation equipment.
Safety Management Certificate (SMC): Issued to ships under ISM Code.
Safety Radio Certificate: SOLAS Chapter IV certificate based on radio survey.
Sample Drawing Witness: Surveyor attendance at drawing and sealing of cargo or bunker samples.
Sample Retention: Storage of representative samples for a defined period after delivery.
Sampling Plan: Documented procedure stating points, depths, and quantities for sampling.
SART Inspection: Annual test of Search and Rescue Transponder.
Sat Test: Saturation test of liferaft serviced units.
Scale Drawing Check: Verification of approved drawings used as gauging reference.
Scantling Check: Verification of structural member dimensions against class rules.
Sea Chest Inspection: Examination of sea chests, gratings, and valves during drydock.
Sea Suction Valve Test: Operational test of main and emergency sea suctions.
Sea Trial Witness: Attendance and reporting at builder's or charter sea trials.
Sea Water Density Sample: Sample drawn near the rudder during draft surveys.
Sealing of Bunker Samples: Application of tamper proof seals on MARPOL Annex VI samples.
Seaworthiness Survey: Pre voyage condition survey for insurance or charter purposes.
Second Trim Correction: Correction in draft survey accounting for hydrostatic curvature.
Securing Survey: Verification of cargo lashings, twistlocks, and bridge fittings.
Sediment and Water Check: Determination of BSW in petroleum products.
Self-Verification Programme: Owner's planned maintenance system credited by class under SVP.
Sewage Treatment Plant Inspection: ISPP certification survey of STP performance.
Shaft Survey: Tail shaft inspection in or out of bearings under class schedule.
Shear Force Verification: Loadicator check against approved shear force limits.
Ship Inspection Report (SIR): OCIMF SIRE 2.0 report used in tanker vetting.
Ship-Shore Compatibility Check: ISGOTT compatibility verification before tanker transfer.
Ship's Manifest Check: Surveyor reconciliation of manifest, plan, and bills of lading.
Shore Tank Calibration: Verification of calibration tables for shore custody transfer tanks.
Sight Glass Inspection: Check of fuel and lube oil sight glasses for cracks and tightness.
Skin of the Ship Definition: ISGOTT definition relevant to overboard piping inspection.
Slop Tank Survey: Quantity and quality measurement of slops on tankers.
Smoke Test: Functional test of smoke detection on cargo holds and machinery spaces.
Soft Patch: Temporary patch noted by surveyor for condition record.
SOLAS Equipment Inventory: Verification of equipment listed in Record of Equipment.
SOPEP Locker Inspection: Inspection of Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan equipment.
Sounding: Measured depth.
Sounding Pipe Inspection: Verification of pipe condition, marking, and self-closing device.
Special Survey (SS): 5-yearly class survey.
Specific Gravity Calibration: Calibration of hydrometers used in draft and bunker surveys.
Spill Tray Inspection: Check of bunker and cargo manifold drip trays.
Spreader Bar Inspection: Load test verification of container handling spreaders.
Spurling Pipe Check: Examination of spurling pipe seals against ingress.
Stability Booklet Verification: Verification of approved stability information on board.
Standby Pump Test: Test of redundant pumps for fire, bilge, and emergency services.
Statement of Facts (SOF): Time log of port events signed by master and agent.
Statutory Surveys: Surveys mandated by international conventions and flag state.
Steam Trial Witness: Steam plant performance test attendance for steamships.
Stern Tube Inspection: Examination of stern tube seals, oil samples, and bearings.
Stevedore Damage Survey: Recording of damage caused by stevedores during cargo operations.
STM Survey: Sediment, water, and Temperature Measurement for petroleum cargoes.
Stowage Plan Review: Verification of segregation, securing, and stability of stowed cargo.
Stowage Survey: Inspection of cargo stowage in holds, containers, or on deck.
Strapping Calibration: Manual calibration of vertical and horizontal tank dimensions.
Stress Monitoring Survey: Operational test of hull stress monitoring system.
Structural Inspection: General term for hull structural condition assessment.
Stuck Marks Survey: Verification of fitness of cargo marks on bagged cargo.
Sub-Bottom Inspection: Examination beneath floors in machinery spaces during drydock.
Submarine Cable Survey: Inspection of cable and condition for cable laying vessels.
Suez Canal Tonnage Certificate: Tonnage certificate for Suez Canal transit dues.
Sulfur Sample Verification: MARPOL Annex VI sample analysis for fuel sulfur content.
Superintendent Survey: Owner's superintendent attendance during repairs or surveys.
Surveyor's Liability Disclaimer: Standard wording limiting surveyor's professional liability.
Suspended Equipment Inspection: Inspection of fixed equipment hung from deckhead in tanks.
Sweat Damage Survey: Investigation of cargo damage from ship's or cargo sweat.
Switchboard Inspection: Class survey of main and emergency switchboards.
Synthetic Rope Inspection: Discard criteria assessment per OCIMF MEG4.

T

Tail Shaft Survey: Class periodic survey of tail shaft and stern tube bearings.
Tank Atmosphere Test: Measurement of O2, HC, CO, H2S before entry.
Tank calibration table: Document relating ullage or sounding to volume for each tank.
Tank Cleaning Survey: Inspection of tank cleaning operations and result acceptance.
Tank Coating Survey: Inspection of tank linings during class and intermediate surveys.
Tank Top Inspection: Examination of inner bottom plating, brackets, and welds.
Tape Reading Tolerance: Acceptable difference between successive ullage or sounding readings.
Tare Weight Verification: Container or package tare check during cargo surveys.
Technical File Review: Verification of NOx, EEDI, EEXI, and SEEMP technical files.
Temperature Profile Survey: Recording of cargo temperatures at multiple depths.