ON-HIRE / OFF-HIRE SURVEY
Independent vessel condition and bunker surveys at delivery and redelivery.
VALENCIA Marine Services provides independent On-Hire/Off-Hire Survey services in Spain for shipowners, charterers, vessel operators, ship managers and other maritime interests requiring an accurate record of vessel condition at the commencement or completion of a charter period.
The survey establishes and documents the vessel's apparent condition at a defined point in time, along with bunker quantities and other specifically instructed items included in the agreed scope.
WHAT IS AN ON-HIRE / OFF-HIRE SURVEY?
An On-Hire / Off-Hire Survey is an independent inspection carried out when a commercial vessel is delivered into charter service or redelivered at the end of a charter period.
The survey provides a contemporaneous technical record that can assist the parties in establishing:
vessel condition at delivery or redelivery;
visible pre-existing damage;
new visible damage;
condition of cargo spaces;
deck and equipment condition;
bunker quantities remaining on board;
relevant observations required by the charter parties.
Establish the exact scope before attendance, based on the charter requirements and instructions received from the appointing party.
ON-HIRE SURVEY
An On-Hire Survey is normally carried out immediately before or at the time a vessel enters charter service.
Its purpose is to document the apparent condition of the vessel so that existing damage, deterioration or defects can be recorded before the charter period begins.
Where instructed, the survey may also determine bunker quantities remaining on board at the time of delivery.
ON-HIRE CONDITION RECORD
The survey may document:
existing structural damage;
dents and deformations;
corrosion;
coating breakdown;
cargo hold condition;
deck condition;
hatch cover condition;
visible damage to fittings;
machinery-space observations;
accommodation condition where relevant;
bunker quantities;
other specifically instructed items.
Photographic evidence is used where practicable to provide a clear record of significant observations.
BUNKER QUANTITY VS BUNKER QUALITY
An On-Hire / Off-Hire bunker survey normally establishes fuel quantity, not fuel quality.
Fuel quality analysis, sampling and laboratory testing are separate services and should be specifically requested where required.
This distinction matters because a calculated ROB quantity does not determine whether the fuel meets contractual or statutory quality specifications.
OFF-HIRE SURVEY
An Off-Hire Survey is normally carried out when the vessel is redelivered following completion of the charter period.
The objective is to establish the vessel's apparent condition at redelivery and document any relevant visible damage or deterioration.
Where an earlier On-Hire Survey report is available, observations may be compared with the previously documented condition, where specifically included in the appointment.
OFF-HIRE CONDITION RECORD
The Off-Hire Survey may document:
apparent vessel condition at redelivery;
visible structural damage;
cargo-space condition;
deck and equipment damage;
coating deterioration;
hatch cover condition;
condition of accessible shipboard areas;
bunker quantities remaining on board;
relevant differences from previous documented condition.
The surveyor records factual observations. Allocation of contractual responsibility between owner and charterer remains subject to the applicable charter party and other contractual evidence.
COMPARATIVE CONDITION ASSESSMENT
Where both On-Hire and Off-Hire documentation are available, the surveyor may compare relevant conditions recorded at delivery and redelivery.
This can assist in identifying:
conditions already present at delivery;
subsequently observed visible damage;
changes in cargo-space condition;
changes in deck condition;
equipment damage;
other material differences within the survey scope.
Assess whether deterioration constitutes fair wear and tear or contractual damage only where specifically instructed, and with reference to the relevant evidence and charter terms.
VESSEL CONDITION AT DELIVERY AND REDELIVERY
A reliable On-Hire / Off-Hire Survey should establish a clear, time-specific condition record.
Depending on the agreed scope and vessel type, the marine surveyor may inspect accessible areas such as:
HULL AND EXTERNAL CONDITION
Where accessible, observations may include:
hull plating;
visible dents;
deformation;
contact marks;
coating damage;
corrosion;
draft marks;
load line marks;
visible external damage.
External hull inspection is subject to berth conditions, vessel draft, access and visibility.
DECKS AND SUPERSTRUCTURE
The inspection may include:
weather decks;
bulwarks;
handrails;
access ways;
deck fittings;
mooring equipment;
visible piping;
deck machinery;
superstructure;
external accommodation areas.
Significant visible damage or deterioration can be photographed and recorded.
CARGO HOLDS AND CARGO SPACES
For dry cargo vessels, cargo-space condition can be an important component of the survey.
Depending on the appointment, observations may include:
tank tops;
bulkheads;
frames;
stiffeners;
hatch covers;
hatch coamings;
ladders;
access arrangements;
visible cargo-related damage;
corrosion;
coating condition.
Commission a dedicated cargo cleanliness or loading-readiness assessment separately, where required.
HATCH COVERS AND CARGO ACCESS
Document the visible condition of hatch covers and associated components where included in the survey.
Observations can include:
hatch panels;
coamings;
compression bars;
visible sealing arrangements;
hydraulic components;
operating equipment;
visible damage;
deformation.
Testing of hatch-cover watertightness is not automatically included unless specifically agreed.
MACHINERY AND TECHNICAL SPACES
Where requested, accessible machinery areas may be visually examined to record their apparent general condition.
The inspection may include visible observations relating to:
main machinery;
auxiliary machinery;
generators;
pumps;
piping;
valves;
steering gear;
machinery-space cleanliness;
obvious leakage;
visible damage.
Unless specifically instructed, an On-Hire / Off-Hire Survey does not constitute a machinery performance test or internal machinery examination.
BUNKER QUANTITY SURVEY
Bunker quantities are frequently recorded as part of an On-Hire or Off-Hire Survey.
Where bunker measurement forms part of the appointment, the surveyor may determine the Remaining On Board (ROB) quantities of applicable fuels and oils.
The procedure can include:
tank soundings or ullages;
observed fuel temperatures;
tank calibration tables;
density information;
vessel trim;
vessel list;
applicable volume corrections;
bunker quantity calculations;
relevant bunker documentation.
The resulting quantities provide an independent record of the bunkers calculated to be on board at the time of survey.
PHOTOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE
Photographs are an important component of On-Hire and Off-Hire condition documentation.
Relevant images may record:
pre-existing damage;
structural defects;
dents;
coating damage;
corrosion;
cargo-space condition;
deck condition;
machinery-space observations;
equipment damage;
other significant findings.
The objective is to create a clear visual record of conditions existing during attendance.
ON-HIRE / OFF-HIRE SURVEY PROCEDURE
1. APPOINTMENT AND INSTRUCTIONS
The appointing party provides vessel details, port, ETA, charter status and required survey scope.
2. DOCUMENT REVIEW
Where available and relevant, the surveyor may review previous condition reports, charter instructions, bunker information, or other technical documentation.
3. VESSEL ATTENDANCE
The marine surveyor attends the vessel at the agreed port, terminal, anchorage or shipyard.
4. CONDITION INSPECTION
The surveyor inspects accessible vessel areas included in the scope and records significant observations.
5. BUNKER MEASUREMENTS
Where instructed, the surveyor measures bunker tanks and calculates quantities.
6. PHOTOGRAPHIC DOCUMENTATION
The surveyor photographs relevant conditions and visible damage.
7. SURVEY REPORT
A structured report is prepared where reporting forms part of the appointment.
ON-HIRE / OFF-HIRE SURVEY REPORT
The report may include:
vessel name;
IMO number;
vessel particulars;
survey location;
date and time of attendance;
appointing party;
type of survey;
survey instructions;
inspection conditions;
areas inspected;
existing visible damage;
relevant structural observations;
cargo-space condition;
deck condition;
hatch-cover observations;
equipment condition;
photographic evidence;
bunker measurements;
bunker calculations;
ROB quantities;
comparative observations where applicable;
survey limitations.
The report provides an independent technical record of the vessel's apparent condition at the relevant delivery or redelivery point.
WHAT IS NOT AUTOMATICALLY INCLUDED?
Unless specifically agreed, the standard On-Hire / Off-Hire Survey does not automatically include:
Classification Society survey;
Flag State inspection;
Port State Control inspection;
internal machinery dismantling;
machinery performance testing;
ultrasonic thickness measurements;
non-destructive testing;
hatch-cover leak testing;
oil analysis;
fuel quality analysis;
underwater inspection;
cargo quantity determination;
legal interpretation of charter-party liability.
Additional inspections can be incorporated by separate agreement.
ON-HIRE / OFF-HIRE SURVEY VS SHIP CONDITION SURVEY
A Ship Condition Survey provides a broader technical assessment of the apparent condition of a vessel for various commercial or technical purposes.
An On-Hire / Off-Hire Survey is specifically intended to document the condition at charter delivery or redelivery and may also include bunker quantities.
COMMERCIAL VESSELS
On-Hire / Off-Hire Surveys can be arranged for commercial vessels including:
bulk carriers;
general cargo ships;
container ships;
tankers;
Ro-Ro vessels;
multipurpose vessels;
offshore and support vessels;
other suitable merchant vessels.
The inspection scope is adapted to the vessel type and charter requirements.
ON-HIRE / OFF-HIRE SURVEYS AT SPANISH PORTS
VALENCIA Marine Services provides independent On-Hire and Off-Hire Survey attendance at major Spanish commercial ports.
Regular coverage includes:
Valencia • Sagunto • Castellón • Alicante • Cartagena • Tarragona • Barcelona • Algeciras
Attendance at other Spanish ports may be arranged subject to vessel schedule, location and surveyor availability.
WHY APPOINT AN INDEPENDENT ON-HIRE / OFF-HIRE SURVEYOR?
INDEPENDENT CONDITION RECORD
An independent marine surveyor documents the condition in accordance with the agreed appointment.
TIME-SPECIFIC EVIDENCE
The inspection records the vessel's condition at a defined delivery or redelivery point.
PHOTOGRAPHIC DOCUMENTATION
Photographic evidence supports significant visible conditions and damage where practicable.
CLEAR TECHNICAL REPORTING
The resulting report provides structured information suitable for owners, charterers and other maritime stakeholders.
BUNKER QUANTITY CALCULATION
ROB quantities can be measured and calculated independently, as included in the assignment.
ENGINEERING EXPERIENCE
Relevant observations are considered from a Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering perspective.
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 AN ON-HIRE SURVEY?
An On-Hire Survey documents the apparent condition of a commercial vessel when it is delivered into charter service and may also include bunker quantities where instructed.
WHAT IS AN OFF-HIRE SURVEY?
An Off-Hire Survey records the vessel's condition when the vessel is redelivered at the end of a charter period and can document visible damage and bunker quantities.
WHY ARE ON-HIRE AND OFF-HIRE SURVEYS IMPORTANT?
They provide independent evidence of a vessel's condition at specific points in time and can help owners and charterers compare delivery and redelivery conditions.
CAN THE OFF-HIRE SURVEY BE COMPARED WITH THE ON-HIRE REPORT?
Yes. Where the previous report and photographs are provided and comparative review is included within the instructions, relevant conditions can be compared.
DOES THE SURVEY INCLUDE BUNKER QUANTITIES?
We can include bunker quantities upon request. We use tank measurements and relevant corrections to calculate the quantity remaining on board.
DOES THE SURVEY DETERMINE BUNKER QUALITY?
No. Bunker quality requires appropriate sampling and laboratory analysis and is a separate service.
DOES THE SURVEY DETERMINE WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DAMAGE?
The survey documents technical observations. The charter party and relevant evidence govern contractual responsibility unless a specific expert assessment has been separately requested.
CAN YOU ATTEND ON SHORT NOTICE?
We can arrange urgent attendance, subject to port location, vessel schedule, access requirements, and surveyor availability.
DOES THE SURVEY INCLUDE CARGO HOLD CONDITION?
Cargo holds may be documented if included in the scope. A dedicated cargo hold cleanliness or readiness inspection is a separate service.
REQUEST AN ON-HIRE / OFF-HIRE SURVEY IN SPAIN
Please provide:
vessel name;
IMO number;
vessel type;
Spanish port;
ETA;
expected delivery or redelivery time;
charter status;
whether bunker ROB is required;
required inspection areas;
previous On-Hire report where relevant;
any specific charterer's or owner's instructions.
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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CONTACT
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.