Bunker Investigation n Bunker Detective

Bunker Investigation n Bunker Detective

AIM control offers the bunker investigation n bunker detective is to avoid turning a disagreement into a dispute because of fuel losses at the time of bunker shipboard and delivery losses due to pilferage.

Reasons for inviting AIM Control’s bunker investigator by a charterer are different of quantity of fuels (bunker).

Reasons for inviting AIM Control’s bunker surveyor by a Ship Owner are identify of quantity of fuels remained on board (R.O.B),

The end purpose can be only one – to prevent losses because fuel oil expenses are of their budget.

• Hidden Tanks

• Fuel Frothing

• Fuel Log Integrity

• Magic Pipes

• Tank Transfers while Bunkering

• Tampered Measuring Devices

• On Hire of marine vessel

• Off Hire of ship

• Bunkering (pumping)

• Rechecking of bunker quantity (after bunkering, after a voyage)

• Calculating of consumption of Main Engine and Generators

07 Factors for the Loss of bunker

• The vessel's crew & staff (on un trust & non-experience)

• Deficiency experience of the surveyor

• Deficiency of the vessel on list / trim corrections onboard

• No full checking of all 6 drafts accurately

• Malpractices by either party whether the ship or the barge

• Bunker tank(s) capacity is different from vessel calibration table (after drying dock, tanks repaired)

• No checking for Net Volume of tanks.

Risks & Loss reducing in Bunker Investigation Detection survey Inspection services

• Checking of all valves to bunker tanks of the barge and ship to shut before gauging

• Inter-tank transfers (gravitating of fuel)

• Checking flow meter tampering and quantity measurements

• Checking pipe-work tampering, bypass connections etc.

• Checking tank calibration tables

• Checking sounding tapes, temperature equipment

• Inflated volume of tank during gauging

• Sealing of QCV (quick closing valves) in engine room to storage tanks during bunkering operations

• Checking of fuel density and weight relationship

• Checking of fuel temperature and volume relationship

• Checking of Zero Dip Volume (un-pumpable fuel in empty tanks)

• Under-Declaring actual ROB and Supplying of Fuel

• Bunker Dispute Resolution Check List

• Exact date/time/location and quantity in dispute recorded?

• C/E advised not to allow hose disconnection?

• Commercial operator management office contacted immediately for advice?

• C/E advised not to sign BDN unless advised by the Principals?

• Agent notified and pilot boarding postponed if applicable?

• All written evidence is immediately preserved, even scratch notes?

• Photographs (where permitted) taken as evidence?

• Bunker delivery hose checked blown-through and clear?

• QCV (quick closing valves) in engine room to storage tanks (if sealed prior bunkering) still intact?

• Drafts visually checked again; trim corrected and documented?

• List ascertained again and verified by clinometers; list corrections applied and documented?

• Bunker tank modifications (if any) ascertain and revised calibration table for the same sighted?

• Calibration tables checked for tampering, corrections, insertions, loose pages?

• Tank calibration tables checked for Class endorsement?

• Number of tanks / locations verified from Tank Arrangement Plan?

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• Tank capacities verified from Tank Capacity Tables (Machinery Part)?

• Sounding tape / bob checked for condition, tampering, alteration if not using own equipment?

• Temperature thermometers checked for tampering if not using own equipment?

• All valves to bunker tanks checked shut on both the barge and ship before re-gauging?

• Reference heights / gauging heights verified from calibration tables and same checked against actual measurements during gauging?

• All tanks visually checked for Cappuccino Bunkers?

• At least three consecutive gauges taken for each tank and average value used?

• Inside of sounding pipes checked for dissimilar metals?

• Sounding pipe flanges/coupling/bolts checked for tampering?

• Level of oil on the tape accurately ascertained?

• Density used by barge and vessel the same?

• Drafts / list re-checked if loading/discharging/ ballasting operations are been carried out at rates to cause appreciable change in trim / list?

• Entire before and after delivery calculations re-checked for correct interpolation and jointly verified by the C/E and the surveyor?

• All non-nominated tanks re-checked for any increase / decrease of sounding /ullage?

• All ballast tanks, cofferdams, void spaces checked for any contamination/leakages?

• If the discrepancy still remains; supplier's Stock Movement Log Book scrutinized / copies obtained to ensure that the original supplied quantity tallies with the quantity at the time of opening gauge?

• Barge Vessel Experience Factor (VEF) records obtained?

• C/E advised to issue letter of protest for each incident and have it acknowledged by the barge?

• The surveyor given his own detailed statement of facts leading to the short delivery?

• Photocopies of all relevant pages of the calibration tables obtained?

AIM Control offer the bunker investigation n bunker detective services to prevent the loss of bunker fuel under the qualified bunker detective is impartial, independent quantity measurement and inspection services for marine fuels with a detailed bunker survey report, assuring the fuel delivery and report any bunker shortage.

Contact us to order