Gulf Coast Surveyors
Cargo vessel in the Gulf of Mexico
Port Arthur · Sabine–Neches · Gulf of Mexico

Draft surveys to industry tolerance.
Cargo certified within ±0.5%.

Independent marine surveyors for bulk, breakbulk, and tanker tonnage moving through the Texas Gulf. Every figure documented, every calculation traceable, every report aligned to your hull & cargo policy.

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1.025 t/m³
Standard density
±0.5%
Reported precision
24 / 7
Tide-window coverage
NAMS-CMS
Accreditation
Capabilities

Surveying the working waters of the Gulf Coast.

From quiet barge fleets on the Sabine to deep-draft tankers calling Port Arthur, our surveyors document tonnage that holds up in P&I claims.

Draft & Bunker Surveys

Initial and final draft readings, density sampling, ballast soundings, and constant verification — issued with full calculation worksheet.

What it is

A draft survey measures how deep a vessel sits in the water before and after cargo operations. The change in displacement, corrected for water density and onboard liquids, gives a precise cargo weight without ever weighing the cargo itself.

How we do it
  • Read forward, midship, and aft drafts on both port and starboard
  • Sample dockside water density with a calibrated hydrometer
  • Sound all ballast, fuel, fresh-water and diesel tanks
  • Apply hydrostatic tables and density correction
When you need it

Required at every load and discharge port for bulk and breakbulk cargoes — and a standard condition of most cargo and hull insurance policies.

Reported to the industry-standard tolerance of ±0.5% of cargo weight.

On/Off Hire Condition

Pre-charter and redelivery condition surveys aligned to BIMCO clauses and underwriter requirements.

What it is

When a charterer takes delivery of a vessel ("on-hire") or returns it ("off-hire"), an independent surveyor documents bunker quantities, hold/tank condition, and any pre-existing damage. The report becomes the contractual baseline for that voyage.

How we do it
  • Joint inspection with master, charterer and owner reps
  • ROB bunker measurement on every fuel grade
  • Photographic record of holds, hatches, and lashings
  • Statement of facts and condition certificate issued same-day
When you need it

At delivery and redelivery of every time charter; before any bareboat handover; whenever a P&I club requires a baseline.

BIMCO-clause aligned, accepted by major underwriters.

Cargo Loss & Damage

Independent investigations on bulk grain, petroleum, scrap, and project cargo — admissible reporting for hull and cargo policies.

What it is

When cargo arrives short, contaminated, wet, or damaged, an independent surveyor investigates the cause, quantifies the loss, and assigns responsibility between vessel, terminal, and shipper. The findings drive insurance recovery and subrogation.

How we do it
  • Attend during discharge to witness condition first-hand
  • Sample, photograph, and seal evidence for the lab
  • Reconcile B/L figures against tally and outturn weights
  • Issue a survey report admissible under U.S. COGSA & Hague-Visby
When you need it

As soon as loss or damage is suspected — early attendance protects your right of recovery and preserves the chain of custody.

Reporting structured for direct submission to cargo underwriters.
Public Tool

Draft Survey Calculator

Compute cargo tonnage from displacement and deductibles. Reported to three decimal places (1 kg) and corrected for observed water density.

Formula: (D₂ − D₁) × (ρ / 1.025) − Σ deductibles
Displacements
Deductibles (net change)
Shipment Coverage

Where your cargo is going — we're already there.

Verify a ZIP code against our shipment coverage database. We coordinate inland-leg and last-mile correspondents across the continental U.S. for cargo discharged through Port Arthur.

Type at least 2 digits to query our 99,999-entry coverage index.

Coverage confirms availability of a correspondent surveyor for cargo handoff & POD attestation.