Overview
A disciplined bunker survey procedure is chronological. It begins before hoses are connected and finishes only after measurements, delivery documents, exceptions and calculations have been reconciled.
For maritime professionals, the useful question is not only “what does the term mean?” but “what evidence would show that the work was performed properly?” This guide therefore focuses on the practical link between the governing framework, onboard or cargo-side activity, and the records a competent professional would expect to see.
Key Points to Understand
IMT conceptual illustration for learning purposes; not an official regulatory flowchart.
Practical Process
The exact method must always be adapted to the vessel, cargo, company procedures, local rules and the scope of the assignment. A disciplined sequence helps keep evidence complete and prevents the work from drifting away from its objective.
- Receive instruction and review nomination.
- Attend the pre-transfer discussion and confirm measurement method.
- Record opening measurements or meter status.
- Monitor transfer and note interruptions or changes.
- Record closing evidence and receive documents.
- Reconcile quantity and record any discrepancy.
- Issue survey report with supporting sheets.
Common Mistakes
Most weak inspections, surveys and audits do not fail because the professional forgot a complicated formula. They fail because scope, evidence or follow-up became unclear. Watch especially for:
- Arriving after initial measurement has already been completed.
- Accepting altered documents without noting the correction history.
- Leaving unresolved discrepancies out of the final report.
Practical Checklist
This is an IMT working checklist, not a substitute for the applicable convention, code, flag requirement, port rule, company procedure or contractual instruction.
- Pre-transfer data
- Opening evidence
- Transfer chronology
- Closing evidence
- BDN/documents
- Discrepancy note
- Final calculation
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View the Training Programme →Frequently Asked Questions
When does a bunker survey start?
Operationally, it should start before the opening measurement or meter sequence so the surveyor can establish the baseline.
What if the transfer is interrupted?
Record the time, reason if known, meter or tank status and any procedural change. The effect on quantity evidence depends on the measurement system and local rules.
Should verbal disagreements appear in the report?
Material disagreements should be documented factually, including any written protest or response available.
Authoritative Sources
Regulatory statements in this guide are grounded in the following primary or official sources. Operational recommendations are presented as IMT practical guidance.
- MPA Singapore — Bunkering
- MPA Singapore — Bunkering Standards
- MPA Singapore — Mass Flow Meter for Bunkering
International Maritime Training (IMT) is an independent training provider. This educational guide is not issued by, affiliated with, or endorsed by IMO, ILO, MPA Singapore, or any other authority referenced above.