Survey Process

Our Marine Survey Process at U.S. Ports

From the first inquiry to the final report: how Amica Marine scopes, schedules, attends and reports marine surveys for international principals.

How does the Amica Marine survey process work?

The Amica Marine survey process has five stages: inquiry, scope and quotation, written instruction and surveyor assignment, attendance on board or at the terminal, and reporting. Each stage is confirmed in writing so international principals know exactly what will be done and when.

Inquiry. Send the vessel name, IMO number, port, terminal or anchorage, ETA, survey type, cargo or bunker details and appointing party by phone at 404-390-2132 or email to info@amicamarine.com.
Scope and quotation. We confirm the scope, the method and standards to be applied, the documents the surveyor needs and a written quotation with logistics costs shown separately.
Instruction and assignment. On your written instruction, we assign a surveyor matched to the port, vessel and cargo and coordinate access with the agent, terminal and launch operator.
Attendance. The surveyor attends, measures, inspects and records, raises issues with the master and terminal as they occur and keeps you informed of significant findings.
Reporting. You receive preliminary figures or findings where needed and a written report with summary, measurements, calculations, photographs and supporting documents.

What information should I send with a survey inquiry?

Send the vessel name and IMO number, port and terminal, berth or anchorage, ETA, survey type, cargo or bunker grade and quantity, the appointing party and report recipients, and relevant documents such as charter party clauses, nominations, bills of lading or the BDN.

Complete information at the start saves time later. If some details are not yet known, send what you have and we will tell you what else the surveyor needs before attendance.

How are surveys scheduled around vessel operations?

Surveys are scheduled around the vessel’s berth window, cargo or bunker operations, terminal shifts and access arrangements. Draft and OBQ surveys must happen before operations start, so early notice of the ETA lets us plan boarding with the agent and terminal.

Gulf Coast schedules change with fog, river conditions, channel traffic and terminal delays. We follow the agent’s updates and adjust attendance times, keeping you informed when the plan changes.

What happens if problems are found during the survey?

If problems are found, the surveyor records them with readings and photographs, informs the master and terminal, issues or receives letters of protest where appropriate, and contacts the appointing party immediately so it can decide on next steps before operations continue.

Early warning gives principals options: re-sounding tanks before signing a BDN, re-cleaning holds before loading, stopping a damaged lot from going ashore, or appointing additional experts while evidence still exists.

Questions about the survey process

These answers cover common questions about how Amica Marine handles a survey from inquiry to report at U.S. ports. For a specific vessel, contact us 24/7 at 404-390-2132 or info@amicamarine.com.

Do you need a written instruction before attending?

Yes. We confirm scope and quotation in writing and attend on your written instruction, which can be a simple email confirming acceptance.

Can you attend at short notice?

Yes, where a surveyor and access can be arranged. Call 404-390-2132 for urgent attendance and follow up by email with the vessel details.

Will I receive updates during long operations?

Yes, where agreed. Daily or milestone updates summarize progress, figures and issues for principals in other time zones.

How is the final report delivered?

By email as a PDF with supporting documents and photographs. Additional copies can be sent to other parties with your agreement.

24/7 survey inquiries

404-390-2132
info@amicamarine.com

Need a marine surveyor at a U.S. port?

Send the vessel name, port, ETA and survey type. We respond to survey inquiries 24/7 and coordinate surveyor attendance at major U.S. seaports on the Gulf, Atlantic and Pacific coasts.