Lloyd's Register GMT Highlights the Importance of Calibration Tables for Accurate Bunker Deliveries

by FOBAS
Wednesday September 6, 2017

Lloyd's Register GMT has highlighted the importance of keeping accurate calibration tables as part of efforts to ensure accurate bunker delivery volumes.

"One of the biggest challenges facing Bunker Surveyor's on a daily basis is the lack of complete and accurate calibration tables on board both barges and vessels. Calibration tables are the single most important reference guide to a bunker surveyor when performing his duties and can cause serious issues when they are found to be incomplete or inaccurate," Operations Co-ordinator Chris Bieda told Ship & Bunker.

"Without a set of clear, complete and accurate set of tables, a surveyor is unable to fully insure that the vessel has received and the barge has delivered the correct quantities. This can have a massive impact in the event of a claim by either party."

Bieda says one of the biggest causes of calibration table inaccuracy is the after-market modification of tanks.

"This is usually done in dry dock at some point later in the vessel/barge life and usually results in the Calibration tables not being updated as they are overlooked/forgotten about," he explained.

"We would encourage all vessel operator's to check that their vessels currently have a full set of accurate Calibration Tables, we would also encourage you to ask suppliers and check that their barges are also up to date. All tables should be marked with the vessel name, calibration date, certification number, certifying company stamp and verifier's signature, tank numbers and reference heights."