TANKER SURVEY IN SPAIN
Independent marine surveys and technical inspections for tanker vessels at Spanish commercial ports.
VALENCIA Marine Services provides professional Tanker Survey Spain services for shipowners, operators, managers, charterers, insurers, P&I interests, purchasers, and other maritime stakeholders who require independent technical inspection of tanker vessels.
Survey assignments can be adapted to oil tankers, product tankers and chemical tankers, taking into account each vessel's construction, cargo systems, machinery configuration, operational status and applicable onboard safety requirements.
Tanker inspections require particular attention to deck structures, cargo piping, manifolds, cargo-handling equipment, ballast spaces, machinery systems and hazardous-area access procedures.
TANKER MARINE SURVEY SERVICES
Depending on the purpose of the appointment, VALENCIA Marine Services can provide different marine survey services for tanker vessels.
SHIP CONDITION SURVEY
Independent assessment of the apparent condition of accessible tanker structures, decks, machinery spaces, cargo-system components, ballast spaces and relevant equipment.
PRE-PURCHASE SHIP SURVEY
Technical inspection for purchasers requiring an independent assessment of a tanker before acquisition.
ON-HIRE / OFF-HIRE SURVEY
Independent documentation of tanker condition at charter delivery or redelivery, including bunker quantities where included within the agreed scope.
MARINE DAMAGE SURVEY
Independent technical inspection following collision, grounding, berth contact, structural damage, machinery failure, cargo-system damage or another reported marine casualty.
SHIP INSPECTION
Targeted technical inspection of a specific structure, piping system, machinery item, defect, damaged area or repair.
BUNKER SURVEY
Independent measurement and calculation of bunker quantities and Remaining On Board.
PSC PREPARATION & POST-DETENTION SUPPORT
Pre-PSC readiness inspection, deficiency review, rectification follow-up and technical preparation for official Port State Control reinspection.
TYPES OF TANKERS WE SURVEY
The inspection scope is adapted to the specific tanker type and its cargo-handling arrangements.
OIL TANKERS
Independent technical inspection of suitable oil tankers, including accessible hull structures, weather decks, cargo-deck equipment, machinery and relevant systems.
PRODUCT TANKERS
Inspection of product tankers with particular attention to cargo-deck arrangements, piping systems, manifolds, pumps, cargo tank condition where safely accessible and machinery.
CHEMICAL TANKERS
Technical inspection of suitable chemical tankers, including accessible cargo-system components, tank coatings where included and safely accessible, piping, manifolds, deck equipment and vessel structure.
Gas carriers such as LNG and LPG carriers would be treated separately from this page if that service is developed in the future.
TANKER STRUCTURAL INSPECTION
Depending on vessel configuration, accessibility and agreed scope, structural inspection may include:
shell plating;
weather decks;
longitudinal structures;
transverse bulkheads;
frames and stiffeners;
brackets;
cargo tank boundaries;
ballast tank structures;
deck openings;
machinery foundations;
pipe-support structures;
visible welds;
previously repaired areas.
The surveyor may document visible evidence of:
corrosion;
pitting;
coating breakdown;
structural wastage;
deformation;
buckling;
cracking;
fractures;
impact damage;
previous repairs;
conditions requiring additional investigation.
CARGO DECK INSPECTION
The cargo deck is a major inspection area on tanker vessels.
Depending on the assignment, the survey may include access to:
cargo piping;
cargo manifolds;
valves;
expansion arrangements;
pipe supports;
tank access points;
venting arrangements;
deck structures;
drip trays;
hydraulic systems;
cargo-handling equipment;
exposed fittings.
The inspection may identify visible:
corrosion;
leakage;
damaged piping;
damaged supports;
coating deterioration;
deformation;
temporary repairs;
missing or damaged fittings.
CARGO MANIFOLDS
Where included within the inspection scope, tanker manifold areas may be examined for their apparent condition.
Inspection may consider:
manifold piping;
flanges;
valves;
reducers;
supports;
drip trays;
pressure gauges where fitted;
surrounding deck structures;
visible leakage;
corrosion;
mechanical damage.
Pressure testing or certification of cargo piping is not automatically included unless specifically agreed.
CARGO PIPING AND VALVES
Accessible cargo piping systems may be visually inspected for:
corrosion;
coating condition;
leakage;
damaged pipe supports;
flange condition;
external deterioration;
temporary repairs;
abnormal visible condition.
The survey is normally visual unless the agreed assignment includes specific testing.
CARGO PUMPS AND PUMP ROOMS
Where applicable, safely accessible and included within the agreed scope, the survey may consider cargo pumping arrangements.
This may include:
cargo pumps;
piping;
valves;
pump foundations;
hydraulic arrangements;
visible leakage;
corrosion;
ventilation arrangements;
general apparent condition.
Entry into pump rooms or other potentially hazardous spaces remains subject to vessel safety procedures and appropriate access authorisation.
CARGO TANK INSPECTION
Cargo tank inspection may be required for certain conditions, pre-purchase, damage or targeted technical surveys.
Where specifically included and where safe entry has been formally established, inspection may consider:
tank coating condition;
corrosion;
pitting;
bulkheads;
internal structural members;
ladders;
piping;
heating coils where fitted;
tank bottoms;
visible cracking;
previous repairs;
contamination-related visible condition.
Cargo tank entry must never be assumed as part of a normal survey.
It remains subject to:
gas-free condition • atmosphere testing • ventilation • confined-space procedures • lighting • safe access • vessel authorisation
TANK COATING CONDITION
Cargo tank coatings can be particularly relevant on product and chemical tankers.
Where accessible and within the agreed scope, inspection may record visible:
coating breakdown;
blistering;
flaking;
mechanical damage;
corrosion beneath failed coatings;
staining;
previous coating repairs.
The inspection records visible condition and does not automatically constitute a specialist coating certification or laboratory analysis.
BALLAST TANK INSPECTION
Where safe access is arranged, selected ballast spaces may be inspected for:
coating condition;
corrosion;
pitting;
frames and stiffeners;
brackets;
bulkheads;
welds;
deformation;
cracking;
structural wastage;
previous repairs.
Ballast tank inspection can be particularly useful during condition, damage and pre-purchase surveys.
INERT GAS AND TANK VENTING ARRANGEMENTS
Where applicable to the vessel and included in the scope, visible components of inert gas and tank venting arrangements may be reviewed.
This can include accessible:
deck piping;
valves;
deck seals;
pressure/vacuum arrangements;
vent risers;
visible supporting equipment.
Functional testing or statutory verification is not automatically included.
MACHINERY SPACES
Tanker machinery spaces may be inspected according to the purpose of the appointment.
Accessible equipment may include:
main engine;
auxiliary engines;
generators;
pumps;
compressors;
boilers;
separators;
steering gear;
fuel systems;
cooling systems;
lubrication systems;
piping;
valves;
electrical equipment.
The surveyor may document visible:
leakage;
oil accumulation;
corrosion;
abnormal external condition;
temporary repairs;
damaged insulation;
maintenance deficiencies;
housekeeping concerns.
Internal machinery dismantling or performance testing requires a separately agreed scope.
PROPULSION AND STEERING SYSTEMS
Where included and accessible, inspection may consider:
propulsion machinery;
shaft-related systems;
steering gear;
hydraulic arrangements;
rudder-related machinery;
equipment foundations;
associated piping.
External propeller, shaft and rudder inspection may require dry-docking or suitable underwater access.
MOORING AND DECK EQUIPMENT
Depending on the assignment, visible inspection may include:
anchors;
windlasses;
mooring winches;
capstans;
fairleads;
bollards;
deck fittings;
exposed hydraulic systems;
access arrangements;
deck safety structures.
Significant visible damage or deterioration can be documented photographically
TANKER DAMAGE SURVEY
Tankers may require independent damage inspection following incidents such as:
collision;
grounding;
berth contact;
tug contact;
heavy weather;
cargo-system failure;
piping damage;
machinery failure;
structural cracking;
equipment impact.
Depending on the casualty, the survey can document:
damaged location;
dimensions;
deformation;
cracking;
leakage;
affected structural members;
affected piping or equipment;
adjacent damage;
photographic evidence;
repair progress;
need for additional investigation.
PRE-PURCHASE TANKER SURVEY
Purchasing a tanker can involve substantial technical and operational exposure.
A Pre-Purchase Ship Survey may therefore include a broader assessment of accessible:
hull structure;
weather decks;
cargo deck;
cargo piping;
manifolds;
cargo tank condition where safely accessible;
ballast tanks;
machinery spaces;
propulsion systems;
steering systems;
mooring equipment;
visible repairs;
available vessel documentation.
Additional specialist inspection may be recommended depending on vessel type and condition.
ON-HIRE / OFF-HIRE TANKER SURVEYS
For tankers operating under charter, the condition may need to be documented at vessel delivery or redelivery.
Depending on instructions, the survey may include:
general deck condition;
visible existing damage;
machinery areas;
cargo deck condition;
selected equipment;
bunker quantities;
photographic documentation.
PORT STATE CONTROL PREPARATION FOR TANKERS
You can also provide independent technical preparation before an anticipated official Port State Control inspection.
The scope may consider:
structural condition;
machinery spaces;
deck condition;
visible cargo-system deficiencies;
safety-related areas;
previous PSC deficiencies;
corrective work;
preparation for official reinspection.
TANKER SAFETY AND ACCESS REQUIREMENTS
Tanker surveys require strict compliance with onboard safety procedures.
Inspection access may depend on:
vessel operational status;
cargo status;
terminal restrictions;
hazardous-area requirements;
gas measurements;
enclosed-space entry procedures;
permits to work;
PPE requirements;
vessel authorisation;
terminal or port restrictions.
Do not consider any tank, pump room, or enclosed-space access included unless appropriate safe-entry conditions have been established.
TANKER SURVEY PROCEDURE
1. VESSEL INFORMATION
The client provides the vessel name, IMO number, tanker type, location and requested survey.
2. DEFINE THE SCOPE
The required areas, technical objectives and reporting requirements are established.
3. SAFETY AND ACCESS REVIEW
Access requirements and operational restrictions are identified before attendance where practicable.
4. DOCUMENT REVIEW
Relevant plans, certificates, reports or technical documentation may be reviewed where included.
5. VESSEL ATTENDANCE
The marine surveyor attends the vessel at the agreed Spanish port, terminal, anchorage or shipyard.
6. TECHNICAL INSPECTION
The surveyor inspects accessible areas within the agreed scope.
7. EVIDENCE COLLECTION
The surveyor documents relevant conditions using photographs, measurements, and inspection notes.
8. TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT
Findings are assessed from a Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering perspective.
9. REPORTING
A professional technical report is prepared and included within the assignment.
TANKER SURVEY REPORT
Depending on the type of survey, the report may include:
vessel identification;
IMO number;
tanker type;
year of build;
inspection location;
survey date;
appointing party;
purpose of survey;
inspection scope;
safety/access limitations;
documentation reviewed;
structural observations;
cargo-deck observations;
machinery findings;
cargo-system observations;
photographs;
measurements;
identified defects;
technical findings;
recommendations where appropriate;
additional investigations required;
survey limitations.
The report is adapted to the specific tanker and purpose of the appointment.
ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL INVESTIGATION
Where initial observations indicate that further investigation is appropriate, this may include:
ultrasonic thickness measurements;
non-destructive testing;
crack testing;
coating specialist assessment;
pressure testing;
machinery testing;
underwater inspection;
laboratory analysis;
specialist cargo-system inspection;
Classification Society involvement.
These services are not automatically included unless specifically agreed.
INDEPENDENT TANKER SURVEY VS STATUTORY INSPECTION
VALENCIA Marine Services provides independent marine surveys and technical inspections.
These services do not replace inspections, certification, vetting or approvals required from:
Classification Societies;
Flag State administrations;
Port State Control authorities;
terminal authorities;
authorised specialist service providers;
other competent organisations.
The service should also not be represented as an official
TANKER SURVEYS AT SPANISH PORTS
VALENCIA Marine Services provides tanker survey attendance at major Spanish commercial ports and suitable terminals.
Regular coverage includes:
Valencia • Sagunto • Castellón • Alicante • Cartagena • Tarragona • Barcelona • Algeciras
Attendance at other Spanish locations can be considered subject to terminal restrictions, vessel schedule, inspection scope and surveyor availability.
WHY APPOINT VALENCIA MARINE SERVICES?
TANKER-SPECIFIC SURVEY APPROACH
The inspection scope is tailored to the tanker's structure, machinery, cargo systems, and operational conditions.
NAVAL ARCHITECTURE & MARINE ENGINEERING
We assess structural and machinery observations from an engineering perspective.
INDEPENDENT TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT
Findings are based on accessible vessel condition, available evidence and the agreed appointment.
SAFETY-FOCUSED INSPECTION
Access requirements and hazardous-space limitations are explicitly considered within the survey scope.
PHOTOGRAPHIC DOCUMENTATION
Document significant visible conditions and deficiencies photographically where practicable.
PROFESSIONAL TECHNICAL REPORTING
Reports clearly distinguish observations, supporting evidence, technical findings and limitations.
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, tanker systems, 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 TANKER SURVEY?
A tanker survey is an independent technical inspection of a tanker vessel or specific vessel systems, based on an agreed scope, such as condition, structure, machinery, cargo systems, damage, or repairs.
WHAT TYPES OF TANKERS DO YOU INSPECT?
Survey attendance may be provided for suitable oil tankers, product tankers and chemical tankers, subject to the required scope and vessel safety conditions.
CAN YOU INSPECT CARGO TANKS?
Yes, where cargo tank inspection is specifically included and appropriate gas-free atmosphere testing, access and confined-space safety arrangements have been established.
DO YOU PERFORM PRE-PURCHASE TANKER SURVEYS?
Yes. A Pre-Purchase Ship Survey can be adapted to the technical characteristics of oil, product or chemical tankers.
CAN YOU INSPECT CARGO PIPING AND MANIFOLDS?
Accessible cargo piping, manifolds, valves, supports and associated deck structures may be visually inspected where included in the survey scope.
CAN YOU INSPECT TANK COATINGS?
You may document the visible cargo tank coating condition where safe tank access is available. Specialist coating certification requires a separately defined scope
CAN YOU INSPECT TANKER DAMAGE?
Yes. We can inspect and document collision, grounding, structural, machinery, and cargo-system damage according to the agreed appointment.
CAN BALLAST TANKS BE INCLUDED?
Yes, where specifically requested and appropriate safe-entry arrangements are provided.
CAN YOU PROVIDE PSC PREPARATION FOR A TANKER?
Yes. Independent pre-PSC readiness inspection, deficiency review and post-detention technical support can be provided according to the agreed scope.
IS THIS AN OFFICIAL SIRE INSPECTION?
No. An independent marine survey should not be represented as an official SIRE/OCIMF vetting inspection unless performed under the relevant authorised programme.
DOES YOUR SURVEY REPLACE A CLASS SURVEY?
No. Independent marine surveys do not replace Classification Society, Flag State, Port State or other statutory inspections.
CAN YOU ATTEND A TANKER AT SHORT NOTICE?
Urgent attendance may be considered subject to vessel location, terminal access, safety restrictions and surveyor availability.
REQUEST A TANKER SURVEY IN SPAIN
Please provide:
vessel name;
IMO number;
tanker type;
year of build;
current or expected port;
terminal, where known;
ETA;
required attendance date;
operational/cargo status;
type of survey required;
areas requiring inspection;
reported defect or damage where applicable;
photographs where available;
relevant technical documentation;
specific client 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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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.