Pre Shipment Survey

Surveys where the condition of the cargo is the important factor.
The intention of the preshipment survey will vary depending on who calls for it,

For Ship Owner and their P&I Clubs : to make sure that the exact condition of the cargo on loading is specified on the B/L, and due care has been taken in preparing the ship for the cargo.
Reason : they know that the large cargo claims are likely to arise, by this survey they can more easly refute damage claims.

For Underwriters for the cargo : to protect the underwriter's interest by ensuring that the carrier observes good practise, as stipulated by the surveyor
Reason : when high value cargo is to be shipped

For Shippers : to protect their product from poor stowage or to provide evidence of quality of the cargo at export.

Preshipment is devided into 2 groups, those centered on the cargo and on the compartment.

On the Cargo, Steel and Bulk Cargoes
Steel gives rise to high claims, so P&I Clubs insist on PreShipment Survey to protect themselves, these will include :
- Degrees of rusting
- Crushing or deformation of coils
- Bending or deformation of girders and plates
- Exposure to salt spray or rain, especially for cold rolled coils and more especially in ports where the air very polluted.
- Acid Rain on the steel waiting on the dock causes corrosion which looks remarkably like seawater damage when the ship arrives at the other end.
- A set of standard clauses covering the common steel defects is issued by some P&I Clubs for endorsing mate receipts and bill of lading
- often the surveyor himself get the job of clausing the mate receipts
- A preliminary report stating what clauses must be put on which bill of lading carefully related to marks and number, must be available before the ship sails.
- a lot of photo help.

Bulk Cargoes, must usually sampling before loading with IMO Code of Safe Practice for Solid Bulk Cargoes.

On The Compartment, all will be looking for the same things, Cleanliness, freedom for external influences, segregation from other cargoes and proper securing.