An on-hire survey records vessel condition and bunker quantity at charter delivery; an off-hire survey repeats it at redelivery. The pair establishes what changed during the charter, so responsibility for damage, hold condition and bunker differences is a matter of record rather than recollection.
Time charter disputes almost always come down to the same question: was that there before? The on-hire and off-hire pair answers it in advance, for a fraction of what arguing about it costs.
What is recorded
- Bunkers remaining on board — every tank gauged, temperature corrected, wedge calculated, and the figure agreed by both parties where possible.
- Hold, tank and deck condition, with photographs, including cleanliness to the standard the charterparty specifies.
- Existing damage: hull, hatch covers, coamings, cargo gear, fendering areas, with location and measurement.
- Cargo gear condition and certification currency.
- Hatch cover weathertightness, including compression bars, gaskets, cleats and drainage.
- Fresh water, lube oil and stores where the charterparty makes them payment items.
- The vessel’s certificates and their expiry dates.
- Time and place of delivery or redelivery, recorded to the minute.
Who attends
Both parties normally appoint, or agree a single joint surveyor with a shared report. Joint attendance is the better arrangement: one set of measurements, both parties present, disagreements recorded at the time rather than discovered months later. Where each side appoints separately, the surveyors should attend together.
Where it goes wrong
| Failure | Consequence |
|---|---|
| No survey at delivery, only at redelivery | Every defect at redelivery is arguable |
| Bunkers taken from the vessel’s own figures | Wedge and temperature errors go unnoticed |
| Hold cleanliness described but not photographed | Cleaning cost disputes with no evidence |
| Survey held after the vessel sails | The condition record no longer matches the handover |
| Hatch covers not tested | Cargo water damage claims with no baseline |
Frequently asked questions
What is an on-hire off-hire survey?
A condition and quantity record taken at charter delivery and again at redelivery so that change during the charter period is attributable to the right party.
Who pays?
Usually shared between owner and charterer, or each pays their own surveyor. The charterparty normally says.
How long does it take?
Three to eight hours depending on vessel size and whether holds are being inspected in detail, plus the report within two to five working days.