Vanning Survey

A "vanning survey" typically refers to a type of inspection or survey conducted to assess the stowage and securing
of cargo within a shipping container before it is loaded onto a vessel for transportation. The purpose of a vanning
survey is to ensure that the cargo is properly packed, arranged, and secured within the container to prevent
damage during transit and to comply with safety regulations.

 Preparation: Before the survey begins, the surveyor may review documentation related to the cargo, such
as the packing list, to understand the nature, quantity, and special handling requirements of the goods
being loaded.

 Visual Inspection: The surveyor visually inspects the condition of the container to ensure that it is clean,
structurally sound, and suitable for transporting the intended cargo. Any signs of damage or defects in the
container are noted.

 Cargo Inspection: The surveyor examines the cargo inside the container to verify that it is properly packed,
labeled, and secured according to industry standards and regulations. This includes checking for:
1. Proper weight distribution to prevent overloading or imbalance.
2. Adequate cushioning and blocking to prevent shifting or movement of cargo.
3. Compliance with special handling requirements for fragile, hazardous, or temperature-sensitive
goods.
4. Proper labeling and marking of packages for identification and handling.

 Documentation Review: The surveyor reviews shipping documents, including the Bill of Lading and
packing list, to ensure that they accurately reflect the loaded cargo and comply with regulatory
requirements.

 Photographic Documentation: The surveyor may take photographs or video footage of the container and
its contents to document the condition of the cargo and the stowage arrangement.

 Reporting: After completing the survey, the surveyor prepares a report documenting their findings,
observations, and recommendations for corrective actions. This report may be shared with the shipper,
freight forwarder, and other relevant parties involved in the shipment.

The Marine Surveyor will issue a certificate for the cargo that meets export requirements and can be loaded into
containers. The packaging of cargo must comply with the international IMDG Codes, and the certificate issued is
called The Vanning Survey Report.

Among the requirements that must be met by the exporters before shipment loading into containers are as follows:

Prepare the following documents before conducting the Vanning Survey:

 MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets)

 Self-Heating Test Certificate
 Producer Company Profile

The IMDG Code, or International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, provides regulations for the safe transportation
of dangerous goods by sea. It is published by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The IMDG Code is
updated every two years. Below are the major classes of dangerous goods covered by the IMDG Code:

 Class 1: Explosives
  Class 2: Gases (including compressed gases, liquefied gases, and gases dissolved under pressure)
 Class 3: Flammable Liquids
 Class 4: Flammable Solids; Substances liable to spontaneous combustion; Substances that, in contact with
water, emit flammable gases
 Class 5: Oxidizing Substances; Organic Peroxides
 Class 6: Toxic Substances; Infectious Substances
 Class 7: Radioactive Material
 Class 8: Corrosive Substances
 Class 9: Miscellaneous Dangerous Substances and Articles

Within each class, there are further divisions and subdivisions based on specific characteristics and risks associated
with the substances.

Acceptance of cargo is subject to the following conditions:

Submission of Shipper’s weathering report stating:

 Description of the entire cooling process and the chemical (or steam) used for activation.
 A minimum of 14 days of pre-cooling before packaging.
 Vanning survey certificate confirming that cargo is packed following the IMDG Code.
 Packaging should be airtight and in good condition, without any tears.
 The cargo temperature should not exceed 5 degrees Celsius above ambient temperature.
 There should be no burning smell or presence of smoke during vanning.
 A void space of 30 cm must be left on top of the cargo and at the door end to assist firefighting.

The Shipper’s weathering report for each shipper is required to be submitted only once.

The vanning survey certificate must be submitted for every shipment (B/L lot) and every/voyage. The following is to
be added to the vanning survey report
 Total number and size of containers
 Container numbers
 Seal numbers against respective container numbers
 Date of vanning of each container
 Loading on an alliance vessel is allowed no earlier than 7 days after the date of vanning.

Basic vanning procedure for various types of containers

Reefer container vanning

 Check the container upon arrival at the site, before stuffing:

o Container No. and CSC plate markings.
o Visual inspection (external and internal).
o Cleanliness inside the container.
o Old placards, markings, or stickers affixed to the container are to be removed before commencing
loading.
o Check the documents which must be provided by the shippers.
 Cargo Packing:
o Check and report the dangerous goods stickers, markings, and UN markings on the packings.
o Product markings as per DG List, Index printed in packages and to be verified that labels, product
names, etc. match on the actual product.
o Check the amount, dimensions, and weight of the packing.
 o Check and report if the packings are hermetically closed to avoid leakages during transport.
o Reefer cargo should preferably be sourced from a refrigerated loading bay.
 Cargo Stuffing:
o Ensure the container is pre-cooled before stuffing and power unit it in working condition.
o Switch off the power unit during stuffing to avoid ambient air exchange and be switched on only
once the container doors are closed.
o Check and report stowage per lines Demarcated with the container concerned. Height and
distance from the door to ensure optimal airflow.
o Check and report cargo temperatures at random using the shippers-supplied gauge. This ensures
the required temperature of the cargo is maintained.
o It is essential that cargo is loaded up to the edge of the T-floor, to ensure an even flow of air
around the container.
o Check and report the lashing/securing of the packages in the container.
o Check and report the correct set point for carrying temperature, humidity, and setting of air
ventilation.
o Witness container sealing and placarding of the container.

ISO Tank vanning survey

 Certificate of previous/last cargo to check the compatibility of the present cargo to be filed in case any
residuals are left.
 Copy of Cleanliness Certificate.
 Empty tank pressure check.
 Tanks after filling are checked externally for any damages, or leakages at the inlet/filling port and bottom
outlet.
 Check the T-number on the Tank certification plate to verify the Tank meets the IMDG requirements to
match the DG (Dangerous Goods) with the Tank.
 Seal check: to check if the sealing has been carried out and note down the seal numbers.
 Every tank should be 80% full (to avoid surge), but less than 95% full (for thermal expansion).
 Placarding affixed to the containers as per IMDG requirement.
 Photography of the tank of the above process.
 Documents to be provided: BRO (Border Roads Organization), SDS (Safety Data Sheets), Packing list

20/40 Dry Containers vanning survey

 Check the container number and CSC Plate markings and inspect the empty container for possible
damages. In case of any damages noted, the container will be rejected and replaced by a seaworthy
container in good condition.
 Check empty containers for floor cleanliness. If materials are still present in the container, it shall be
cleaned or replaced with a clean container.
 Old Placards or any stickers affixed to the container are to be removed before commencing loading.
 Packings:
o Check the dangerous goods stickers, markings, and UN markings on the packings.
o Dangerous products, UN markings to be strictly attached, and printed on the packages.
o Check the amount, dimensions, and weight of the packing.
o Check if the packings are hermetically closed to avoid leakages during transport.
 Check the producer's certificate and packing list of the packings. Cross-check them with the parameters
provided on the packings.
 Check the lashing/securing of the packages in the container.
 Photography of the full survey will be carried out at the site during loading.
  Witness sealing, and packaging of the containers.
 All pictures will be added to the specific certificate per container.
 Verify that placards, labels, product names, etc. match the Vanning certificate and actual product.

Agencies that provide vanning surveys near Nhava Sheva Port

 Aqua Cargo Marine Pvt Ltd, CBD Belapur

 CSIS (container and shipping inspection Service) Pvt Ltd, Vidyavihar