Container Survey and Inspection Guide

Overview

A container condition survey records whether a specific freight container shows damage, deterioration or features relevant to its intended use. The inspection should identify the unit positively and describe what is observed without confusing condition inspection with separate SOLAS cargo-mass obligations.

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

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.

1. Confirm container number and identification markings.
2. Record external condition from all accessible sides.
3. Inspect doors, locking gear, seals and visible closing surfaces.
4. Inspect interior condition, floor and evidence of contamination or water where access is authorised.
5. Photograph damage with location references and scale where useful.
6. State limitations and whether any functional test was actually performed.

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:

• Saying a container is 'watertight' without an appropriate test.
• Failing to record the exact unit number in photos and report.
• Confusing CSC condition checks with VGM verification.

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.

• Container ID
• CSC plate/markings noted
• Exterior checked
• Doors/locking gear checked
• Interior/floor checked
• Damage indexed
• Test limitations stated

Related Maritime Insights

• How to Write a Cargo Survey Report
• Marine Cargo Surveying Checklist
• Dry Bulk Cargo Surveying Explained
• General Cargo Inspection Guide
• Bunker Surveying Guide