Pre-loading Condition Surveys
End of the nineties, the staff of DPS developed a specific survey program for that specific problem, called the DPS Pre-Loading Condition Survey of vessels, taking into account all relevant worries of cargo underwriters involved (to be sure that the vessel is fully fit and suitable to load the intended cargo), and also taking into account the worries of the traders who want the vessel to start loading within a reasonable time after arrival of the vessel.
In our pre-loading condition survey, the emphasis is placed on the cargo-worthiness of the vessel, which is the most important item to avoid any cargo damage. In addition, the emphasis is placed on successful testing of the important cargo worthiness items before loading could start (instead of visual inspection only). In case defects are found, loading is not started, and the Master is advised to carry out the necessary repairs, after which these repairs are tested and approved or not.
The above program started already end of the nineties. Now we are almost on a daily basis performing such surveys in many countries all over the world, with our network of correspondent surveyors, who are fully familiar with our specific approach. On a yearly basis, we perform about 200 of such surveys in Brazil, India, Thailand, China, Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela, Vietnam, Pakistan, and many other countries.
The whole pre-loading condition survey program is clearly described, explained in various documents i.e. a standard report form, instructions to surveyors, instructions to vessel, etc. This documentation ensures that, in whatever country the survey is done, it is done in a uniform way, with the same high quality standards. Reporting / communication is done quickly by e-mail and mobile phones, so that everybody is fully aware about the actual situation, almost in real time. Organization of the survey, plus follow-up, reporting, etc., is done on a 24/24 hours basis from inside the Antwerp Liaison Office, ensuring that, notwithstanding the different countries involved and the time differences, the survey is done according to the one and same DPS quality standard.
Our present clients for this service are international underwriters, insurance brokers and/or companies/traders. These companies can all ensure to you that the DPS-preloading-condition-survey program is properly operating and gives you a high assurance that the vessel is fully fit and suitable to load the intended cargo, as such minimizing the risk on any cargo damage. Many of these companies saw their loss ratio considerably reducing after putting our program into place. Their traders can also ensure you that we do not obstruct them from doing their business.