Tricks of the Bunker Trade: Questionable Tank Calibration Tables

by Kaivan H. Chinoy, Petro Inspect / The Bunker Detectives
Thursday September 5, 2013

Verify that the sounding / ullage tables are approved by the Class (Class Certified – with a seal).

Having more than one set of sounding books is not uncommon and having the tables modified to the supplier’s advantage is always a possibility.

Inserted pages, corrections, different print/paper type are all indications of tampering.

Sometimes the barge may have a new calibration table (with the old one being obsolete).

This could be following modification of the tanks internal structure during a dry dock repair or simply because the original calibration tables would have been incorrect.

Always find out the reason for new calibration table and making sure it’s Class Certified.

The same could be said for the list / trim correction tables which could be easily modified, again to the supplier’s advantage.

Key Notes:

  • Look for Class Approved calibration tables with a seal
  • Remember whenever in doubt or have concerns always issue a letter of protest

About Petro Inspect and The Bunker Detectives

Bunker Detectives

Petro Inspect, previous known only as The Bunker Detectives, are a dedicated team who primarily help ship charterers' & bunker brokers deal with bunker quantity disputes (which do not fall under P&I cover for charterers'), and also offer an exclusive service to ship charterers' dealing with 'Bad' Bunker dispute claims, such as the supply of contaminated or off- specification bunkers.

The core services provided under the banner of 'Bunker Detective' are 221B Surveys (aka Bunker Detective Surveys), Bunker Stem Surveys (aka Bunker Quantity Surveys - BQS) and Charter On/Off Hire and Condition Surveys, as well as a bunker fuel concealment detection services.

About Kaivan H. Chinoy

A qualified Mercantile Marine Officer with an MSc Degree in "Technical Management of Ship Operations," prior to founding AVA Marine Kaivan spent over 15 years involved in extensive marine operations including vessel navigation, cargo handling, accident investigations, project cargo risk management, and marine cargo surveying.

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