CARGO HOLD INSPECTION IN SPAIN
Independent cargo hold condition and cleanliness inspections for commercial vessels before loading.
VALENCIA Marine Services provides professional Cargo Hold Inspection in Spain services for bulk carriers, general cargo ships and other commercial vessels requiring an independent assessment of cargo-space condition before loading or for another defined operational purpose.
The inspection assesses the visible and accessible condition of the cargo holds at the time of attendance, with particular attention to cleanliness, dryness, previous cargo residues, loose rust scale, contamination and other conditions relevant to the intended cargo and agreed inspection criteria.
WHAT IS A CARGO HOLD INSPECTION?
A cargo hold inspection is an independent examination of a vessel's cargo spaces to document their apparent condition and, where specifically instructed, assess whether the holds meet the agreed requirements for the intended loading operation.
The inspection may be requested:
before loading;
after hold cleaning;
following discharge of a previous cargo;
after remedial cleaning;
before charter delivery;
following a reported contamination concern;
to document cargo hold condition;
as part of another marine survey assignment.
Establish the applicable standard or acceptance criteria before the inspection whenever practicable.
WHAT IS CHECKED DURING A CARGO HOLD INSPECTION?
The inspection is adapted to vessel type, cargo history, intended cargo and client instructions.
Typical observations may include:
cleanliness;
dryness;
previous cargo residues;
loose rust scale;
flaking coatings;
foreign materials;
standing water;
oil or grease contamination;
visible staining;
odours;
accessible bilge areas;
drainage arrangements;
structural condition;
corrosion;
damaged coatings;
hatch-cover areas;
ladders and accesses;
other conditions relevant to loading.
The surveyor records the condition actually observed during attendance.
CARGO HOLD CLEANLINESS INSPECTION
Cleanliness is a principal consideration before loading many dry bulk and general cargoes.
The inspection may look for visible evidence of:
PREVIOUS CARGO RESIDUES
Remaining material from earlier cargoes can create contamination risks or conflict with charterer's or receiver's requirements.
LOOSE RUST SCALE
Loose rust or coating material may contaminate cargo and indicate deterioration requiring additional cleaning or maintenance.
FOREIGN MATERIAL
Rags, timber, plastic, wire, packaging materials or other debris should not remain within holds intended for loading.
OIL AND GREASE
Visible oily residues, hydraulic leakage or grease contamination may be relevant depending on the intended cargo.
STANDING WATER
Assess cargo holds for visible water accumulation and general dryness according to the agreed requirements.
ODOURS
Persistent odours from previous cargoes or contaminants may require further cleaning or investigation.
DRYNESS AND WATER INGRESS
Visible dryness can be particularly important before loading moisture-sensitive cargoes.
The survey may assess accessible areas for:
standing water;
wet tank tops;
water in bilge wells;
evidence of leakage;
condensation;
water staining;
apparent ingress around hatch areas;
drainage condition.
A visual inspection does not by itself constitute a formal watertightness test of hatch covers.
Where hatch-cover testing is required, specify it separately.
CARGO HOLD STRUCTURAL CONDITION
Although cargo cleanliness is often the primary objective, document significant visible structural deficiencies when observed.
Inspection may identify:
corrosion;
heavy scaling;
coating breakdown;
deformed frames;
damaged stiffeners;
cracked structures;
damaged brackets;
distorted tank tops;
local mechanical damage;
previous repairs;
deterioration around access arrangements.
Where structural deterioration appears significant, additional technical examination may be recommended.
HATCH COVERS AND COAMINGS
The visible condition of hatch-cover areas may be included in the inspection.
Observations may include:
hatch panels;
coamings;
channels;
compression bars;
visible rubber seals;
drainage channels;
corrosion;
residues;
deformation;
apparent mechanical damage.
A standard cargo hold inspection does not automatically certify hatch-cover watertightness.
Ultrasonic, hose or other hatch-cover tests should be separately instructed where required.
TANK TOP CONDITION
The tank top is one of the principal cargo-contact surfaces within many cargo holds.
Inspection may consider:
cleanliness;
cargo residues;
corrosion;
coating condition;
mechanical damage;
deformation;
visible cracks;
oil contamination;
water;
remaining dunnage or debris.
Record any condition that may affect loading clearly.
FRAMES, BULKHEADS AND STIFFENERS
Accessible vertical and structural surfaces may be inspected for:
loose rust scale;
cargo residues;
flaking coatings;
corrosion;
deformation;
cracking;
damaged structural members;
areas where previous cargo may remain trapped.
Assess upper areas only to the extent safely visible and accessible.
HOLD READINESS BEFORE LOADING
Whether a cargo hold is acceptable for loading depends on more than general appearance.
Relevant factors can include:
intended cargo;
previous cargo;
charter-party requirements;
shipper requirements;
receiver requirements;
terminal requirements;
contractual cleanliness criteria;
contamination sensitivity.
For this reason, the surveyor should assess the hold against the specific criteria supplied for the assignment, rather than apply an undefined generic standard.
BILGE WELLS AND DRAINAGE AREAS
Cargo hold bilges may be relevant to the overall cleanliness and readiness assessment.
Where accessible, observations may include:
visible cleanliness;
standing water;
previous cargo residue;
apparent drainage condition;
contamination;
protective arrangements where applicable.
The inspection does not imply dismantling or internal examination of inaccessible drainage systems unless specifically agreed.
PRE-LOADING CARGO HOLD INSPECTION
A pre-loading inspection should preferably be carried out after hold cleaning is complete and before cargo loading begins.
The process normally involves:
1. CLIENT INSTRUCTIONS
The appointing party provides the vessel, port, intended cargo and relevant acceptance criteria.
2. VESSEL ATTENDANCE
The marine surveyor attends the vessel at the agreed berth, anchorage or terminal.
3. HOLD-BY-HOLD INSPECTION
The marine surveyor examines each accessible cargo hold included in the scope individually.
4. DEFICIENCY IDENTIFICATION
The marine surveyor documents conditions requiring further cleaning or attention.
5. PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORD
Representative photographs are taken where practicable.
6. RECTIFICATION
The vessel may undertake additional cleaning or corrective work where required.
7. REINSPECTION
A further inspection can be performed after rectification, upon request.
8. REPORTING
The observed condition and final inspection status are documented according to the agreed scope.
HOLD-BY-HOLD INSPECTION
Treat each hold as a separate inspection area.
For example:
CARGO HOLD NO. 1
Observed condition and deficiencies.
CARGO HOLD NO. 2
Observed condition and deficiencies.
CARGO HOLD NO. 3
Observed condition and deficiencies.
This provides a much clearer technical record than simply describing the vessel's cargo spaces collectively.
DEFICIENCIES FOUND DURING INSPECTION
Where deficiencies are observed, these may include:
previous cargo residues;
loose rust scale;
flaking paint;
standing water;
oily contamination;
debris;
persistent odours;
wet surfaces;
inaccessible dirty areas;
contamination around bilges;
structural deterioration.
The surveyor should identify the location of the deficiency and document it photographically where appropriate.
RECTIFICATION AND REINSPECTION
If a cargo hold does not meet the agreed inspection criteria, it may require further cleaning or remedial action.
Typical corrective work may involve:
sweeping;
washing;
drying;
removal of previous cargo residue;
removal of loose rust scale;
local cleaning;
bilge cleaning;
removal of foreign material.
After corrective action is completed, a reinspection can be carried out upon request.
PHOTOGRAPHIC DOCUMENTATION
Photographic evidence should form an important part of a professional cargo hold inspection.
Useful photographs may include:
general view of each hold;
tank top;
forward bulkhead;
aft bulkhead;
port side;
starboard side;
frames and stiffeners;
bilge areas;
hatch-cover underside;
specific deficiencies;
condition after rectification.
This creates a clear visual record of the condition observed during attendance.
CARGO HOLD INSPECTION REPORT
Where a written report is included, it may contain:
vessel name;
IMO number;
vessel type;
port;
date and time of attendance;
appointing party;
intended cargo where provided;
previous cargo where provided;
inspection criteria;
holds inspected;
general inspection conditions;
hold-by-hold observations;
identified deficiencies;
photographic evidence;
corrective actions observed;
reinspection details where applicable;
final observations;
survey limitations.
The report should clearly state what was inspected, under what conditions, and against which criteria.
WHAT A CARGO HOLD INSPECTION DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY INCLUDE
Unless specifically agreed, a standard cargo hold inspection does not automatically include:
cargo sampling;
cargo quality analysis;
cargo quantity determination;
laboratory testing;
fumigation inspection;
pest-control certification;
hatch-cover watertightness testing;
ultrasonic thickness measurement;
structural NDT;
Classification Society survey;
statutory inspection;
certification beyond the agreed independent survey scope.
This keeps the service clearly differentiated from cargo surveys and statutory inspections.
CARGO HOLD INSPECTION VS CARGO SURVEY
These are related but different services.
CARGO HOLD INSPECTION
The principal subject is the ship's cargo space: its cleanliness, dryness, condition and readiness for the intended loading operation.
CARGO SURVEY
The principal subject is generally the cargo itself or the cargo operation, such as cargo condition, loading, discharge, quantity or handling.
CARGO HOLD INSPECTION AND DRAFT SURVEY
Cargo hold inspection and draft surveying can be required during the same port call but serve different purposes.
A cargo hold inspection assesses the condition of the cargo spaces.
A draft survey determines the weight of cargo loaded or discharged from changes in vessel displacement.
CARGO HOLD INSPECTION VS SHIP CONDITION SURVEY
A Cargo Hold Inspection focuses on cargo spaces.
A Ship Condition Survey has a broader scope and may assess numerous vessel areas, machinery, structures and equipment.
CARGO HOLD INSPECTION AT SPANISH PORTS
VALENCIA Marine Services provides Cargo Hold Inspection Spain coverage at major Spanish commercial ports.
Regular locations include:
Valencia • Sagunto • Castellón • Alicante • Cartagena • Tarragona • Barcelona • Algeciras
Attendance at other Spanish ports can also be considered subject to vessel schedule, location and surveyor availability.
COMMERCIAL VESSELS WE INSPECT
Cargo hold inspections are particularly relevant to:
bulk carriers;
general cargo ships;
multipurpose vessels;
other dry-cargo vessels with suitable cargo spaces.
The specific inspection criteria depend on the vessel and intended cargo.
WHY APPOINT VALENCIA MARINE SERVICES?
INDEPENDENT INSPECTION
The cargo holds are assessed according to the agreed inspection criteria and the condition observed during attendance.
COMMERCIAL VESSEL EXPERIENCE
The service is focused on merchant and dry-cargo vessels.
HOLD-BY-HOLD ASSESSMENT
Each inspected cargo space can be documented individually.
PHOTOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE
Significant deficiencies and final condition are supported by photographs where practicable.
REINSPECTION AVAILABLE
Additional attendance can be arranged following cleaning or rectification.
CLEAR TECHNICAL REPORTING
Findings are recorded clearly, with the inspection criteria and limitations identified.
WHO APPOINTS A SHIP INSPECTOR?
Independent ship inspections may be requested by:
shipowners;
ship managers;
vessel operators;
charterers;
insurers;
P&I interests;
purchasers;
brokers;
shipyards;
lawyers;
financial interests;
engineering companies;
other maritime stakeholders.
The inspection is carried out according to the appointing client's instructions.
EXPERIENCED MARINE SURVEYOR
Carlos Montamarta is a Naval Architect & Marine Engineer with more than 20 years of professional experience in marine surveying and ship inspection.
His marine survey assignments combine extensive practical vessel inspection experience with technical expertise in ship structures, marine machinery, marine engineering, damage assessment and technical reporting.
Professional marine surveying services are provided through VALENCIA Marine Services SLU.
INDEPENDENT • DISCREET • PROFESSIONAL
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS A CARGO HOLD INSPECTION?
A cargo hold inspection is an independent examination of a commercial vessel's cargo spaces to document their apparent cleanliness, dryness, condition and suitability against the agreed inspection criteria before loading or for another specified purpose.
WHEN SHOULD CARGO HOLDS BE INSPECTED?
Ideally, after cleaning and before cargo loading begins.
WHAT DO YOU CHECK IN A CARGO HOLD?
Depending on the agreed scope, the surveyor may check cleanliness, dryness, previous cargo residue, loose rust scale, foreign material, contamination, standing water, corrosion and visible structural condition.
DO YOU INSPECT HATCH COVERS?
Visible hatch-cover and coaming condition can be included. Formal watertightness testing is a separate service unless specifically agreed.
DOES THE INSPECTION INCLUDE EVERY CARGO HOLD?
The client's instructions determine which holds are included in the inspection. Where all holds are required, each accessible hold can be inspected individually.
WHAT HAPPENS IF A HOLD REQUIRES FURTHER CLEANING?
The observed deficiencies can be documented and the vessel can undertake further cleaning. A reinspection may then be arranged.
DOES A CARGO HOLD INSPECTION INCLUDE CARGO QUALITY?
No. The inspection primarily concerns the condition of the vessel's cargo spaces. Cargo sampling and quality analysis require a separate scope.
DO YOU CARRY OUT DRAFT SURVEYS AS WELL?
Yes. Draft surveying is a separate service used to determine cargo quantity from changes in vessel displacement.
CAN YOU ATTEND BEFORE LOADING AT SHORT NOTICE?
Urgent attendance can be considered subject to vessel location, loading schedule, port access and surveyor availability.
REQUEST A CARGO HOLD INSPECTION IN SPAIN
For efficient attendance, provide:
vessel name;
IMO number;
vessel type;
port;
berth or terminal where known;
ETA;
expected loading date and time;
intended cargo;
previous cargo where relevant;
number of holds to be inspected;
applicable cleanliness criteria;
charterer or shipper instructions where available;
required reporting format.
Urgent attendance requests are welcome, subject to surveyor availability.
NEED A MARINE SURVEYOR IN SPAIN?
Independent marine surveying services for shipowners, operators, charterers, insurers and maritime stakeholders throughout Spain.
© 2026 VALENCIA Marine Services SLU · VAT No. ESB06827356 │ Mercantile Registry of Valencia: Volume 11011, Sheet 122, │ Section GNE, Entry 198596
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VALENCIA Marine Services SLU
Independent marine surveying, vessel inspection, maritime auditing and technical consultancy services for commercial vessels in Spain.
INDEPENDENT • DISCREET • PROFESSIONAL
Marine survey attendance in Spanish ports and shipyards.
Real Club Náutico de Valencia - Camino del Canal 91 - Bloque 3 Local 21 - Valenciac 46024, Spain
Office +34 96 13 050 13
Mobile/WhatsAp: +34 644 70 90 38
Base : Port of Valencia, Spain
Urgent attendance requests are welcome, subject to surveyor availability.