Steel PreShipment Surveys: A Guide to Good Practice (Second Edition)

This publication provides detailed guidance on the inspection of weather deck openings. The second edition has a revised layout and minor updates, but the core clauses remain the same. Imagery has been included to illustrate practical application of clauses. The book also includes checklists that show the extent of information to be provided in survey reports.

Most steel products rust and bend easily, particularly when carried at sea. Shipowners and operators – and ultimately their P&l insurers – are therefore usually first in the firing line when bent and rusty steel arrives at its destination.

As a result, shipowners, carriers, operators and P&l Clubs now regularly commission independent pre-shipment surveys of steel cargoes to ensure that bills of lading and/or mates’ receipts accurately describe the apparent order and condition of the cargo when it was taken on board the ship. As a further precaution against rust claims, surveyors are now asked to look at the weathertightness and ventilation of the holds in which steel cargo is carried.

The primary objective in producing this guide is to ensure correct and consistent usage of the P&I Club clauses, therefore enfranchising them with the status of an international standard method for describing steel cargoes.

Guidance is also provided on the conduct of weather deck opening surveys, which should form an integral part of every prudent pre-shipment survey. This includes details of the items that should be checked and a review of the advantages and disadvantages of the main types of weathertightness test.

Checklists are included in Appendices 1 and 2 to show the extent of information that should be provided in reports. This is as much to foster a consistent and professional approach among the international surveying community – which is increasingly exposed to negligence claims – as it is to eliminate misunderstandings between the world’s ports with regard to the clausing of shipping documents.

Chapter 1 Introduction
1.1 The need for pre-shipment surveys
1.2 Problems with implementation
1.3 The purpose of this guide

Chapter 2 Appointing a Surveyor
2.1 Allowing sufficient time
2.2 Give clear terms of reference

Chapter 3 Describing Surface Condition of Steel Cargo
3.1 Surface condition clause
3.2 Examples of applying surface condition clauses

Chapter 4 Describing Mechanical Damage to Steel Cargo
4.1 Mechanical damage clauses
4.2 Examples of applying mechanical damage clauses

Chapter 5 Inspecting Weather Deck Openings
5.1 Allow time for proper repairs
5.2 Check all components of all openings
5.3 Carry out weathertightness tests

NorthStandard is one of the leading providers of global marine insurance products and services across the maritime industries. Established through the merger of North P&I Club and the Standard Club in February 2023, NorthStandard brings together over 300 years of marine insurance heritage.

From headquarters in the UK and with offices throughout Europe, Asia and the Americas, NorthStandard offers a unique blend of worldwide presence and class-leading expertise across multiple specialist areas, including P&I, FD&D, War Risks, Strike & Delay, Hull and Machinery and ancillary insurance. Its Sunderland Marine and Coastal & Inland divisions also provide cover for owners’ fixed premium P&I, fishing vessels, inland waterway and coastal trading vessels and aquaculture. NorthStandard’s comprehensive local market and sector knowledge is underpinned by continuous investments in market-leading digital technologies.

NorthStandard is a leading member of the International Group of P&I Clubs (IG) and is fully committed to upholding the shared objectives of its 12 independent member clubs, which provide liability cover for approximately 90% of the world’s ocean-going tonnage.