Draught / Deadweight Surveys
A draught survey is a hydrostatic method used to determine the weight of bulk cargo loaded or discharged by calculating the vessel’s displacement before and after operations. At BENEDICT & RAYMOND, we perform draught surveys in strict accordance with international maritime standards, ensuring accuracy, repeatability, and full evidentiary traceability.
Our procedure includes:
- Precise draught readings at all six marks, corrected for trim, list, hogging/sagging, and visibility constraints
- Hydrostatic data verification, including displacement tables, TPC, MTC, LCF, and density related corrections
- Water density measurement using calibrated hydrometers and temperature compensated calculations
- Comprehensive assessment of variable weights, including ballast, fresh water, fuel oils, lubricants, bilges, slops, and stores
- Cross checking of tank soundings with certified calibration tables to ensure accurate deduction of consumables
- Calculation of displacement change, providing a defensible determination of cargo weight loaded or discharged
This methodology delivers high accuracy cargo quantity verification, minimizing commercial disputes and ensuring transparent settlement between shippers, receivers, charterers, and insurers.
Our technical reports include full calculation sheets, hydrostatic references, density certificates, and photographic documentation, providing a complete evidentiary package suitable for operational, legal, and insurance purposes.
