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Bunker Quantity Survey (BQS) Procedures

    Bunker Quantity Survey (BQS) Procedures

    These general requirements are already part of ISO 13739 but it is essential that each of our individual surveyors shall duly follow them so as BQS are done with transparency, efficiency, professionalism and independence at the following stages.

    Before Bunkering

    • Introduce yourself clearly as a surveyor, and representative of the vessel’s principals for the Bunker Survey.
    • Conduct the survey in concordance with ISO 13739/2009 “Procedures for transfer of bunkers to vessels”.
    • Request the barge Cargo Officer not to strip the tanks and to blow the line only after measurements.
    • Go to measure physically all nominated & non-nominated tanks with C/E or his assistant to witness the gauging.
    • The surveyor must go onboard the barge with his own (certified by a competent and contactable authority) hand tape and thermometer.
    • In presence of C/E and Bunker barge Cargo officer; all tanks are measured by HAND TAPE, including ALL non-nominated tanks, settling, service, overflow and sludge tanks. At least three barge tanks are measured for the determination of the supplied fuel temperature. Levels and temperatures were taken to be recorded on the Bunker barge sounding ticket. Remote gauging and indications are to be recorded, as an additional reference.
    • Ask the Ship’s Officers to provide the original barge calibration tables with a certified stamp from an approved and recognized body.
    • Hand tape measurement and printed form from the barge have to be signed by all parties concerned.

    During Bunkering

    • We request to C/E a printed form from automatic ships measurement after bunkering, in order to verify if the expected volume is approximately received.
    • We take the temperature of fuel received immediately after the bunkering (especially in cold waters).
    • When the barge Cargo Officer finishes the delivery ensure he announces it to the PIC at the bunker station and stops the delivery WITHOUT BLOWING the lines until the measurements are done and the final figures ascertained (again, this must be established and agreed upon by the beginning)
    • Volume at the observed temperature has to be jointly measured by the surveyor and C/E.
    • Blowing must be done in only one tank of the vessel for easy gauging.
    • Request the Barge’s Cargo Officer for a printed form to be signed by the parties attending: Barge Captain – C/E – Surveyor.
    • We measure the receiving tanks from the seagoing vessels. Ullage can be taken, when good reference to reference height as initial measured (tank height).
    • We ask the barge Cargo Officer to open the hatch to visually check the content of each tank in case of suspicion of a fraud attempt.
    • Ensure the CE records on the BDN “For volumes at observed temperatures only, final quantity subject to lab tested density”
    • Advise the CE not to sign any paper if the barge Cargo Officer stops pumping before the final quantity is reached.
    • ln case of too much discrepancy (more than 0,5%), a LOP – Letter Of Protest has to be issued. in case of any doubts:
    • Re-gauge all barge tanks (nominated & non-nominated tanks).
    • Re-gauge all seagoing vessels’ tanks (nominated & non-nominated tanks), including the setting tank, daily service tank and overflow tank.

    Attention

    • Pay special attention to abnormal noises and vibration of the bunker hose, and make a note in SOF of the possibility of air mixed in the fuel.
    • Sampling during bunkering:
    • MARPOL Annex VI recommends samples be taken to the closest point of the vessel manifold.
    • We ALWAYS insist in to act with an in-line continuous drip sampler at the ship’s manifold.
    • ln case of dispute, the barge sample is final & binding according to the delivery conditions of the Supplier.
    • If the barge Cargo Officer accepts one set of samples at the vessel manifold, agree with all parties how many samples need to be taken for each barge and grade.
    • As the barge sample remains the Official sample, the surveyor is requested to witness the sampling process on the barge side with a ship’s representative.
    • The way of sampling onboard the barge must be clearly recorded on the survey report. (any abnormality such as spot sampling, poor sampling and no correct in-line continuous drip sampler method)
    • Seal the sampling cubitainer to avoid any tampering throughout the bunkering process.
    • ln case of LSFO / HSFO deliveries, start with LSFO first.
    • LSFO sampling must start after 5 minutes flush in order to clean the line.
    • Surveyor and C/E have to be present at the distribution of samples.
    • Records seal numbers and write these numbers on the “Sample witnessing report”.
    • Sign only the validated sample, witnessed by the surveyor as the principal’s representative.

    Quantity Disputes

    The quantity of the barge alongside is binding for the delivered quantity.
    C/E is the one only who gives permission for the barge leaves alongside. ln case of severe discrepancies, C/E must call an ORDERER bunker desk and ask for P&I assistance with the assistance of the surveyor.