Independent Marine Survey & Inspection Services
Six disciplines, one surveyor. Ali Idrissi personally attends every instruction below, from on-hire handovers to ship-to-ship transfers, combining rigorous, evidence-based reporting with a clear focus on quality, safety and regulatory compliance at every port of call.
Six Core Survey Disciplines
From on/off-hire to ship-to-ship transfers, each service follows the same standard: independent attendance, thorough inspection and a clear, well-documented report.
On/Off-Hire Surveys
Independent condition assessments at the start and end of a charter period, protecting owners and charterers with accurate, documented vessel condition records.
Typically requested by
Shipowners and charterers at the start or end of a time charter.
On-hire and off-hire surveys establish an accurate, independently documented record of a vessel's condition, bunker quantities, and equipment inventory at the point a charter begins or ends. Ali personally attends on-site to inspect hull, holds, machinery spaces and documentation, producing a detailed, time-stamped report that protects both owners and charterers from disputes over damage, deficiencies or fuel discrepancies. These surveys are typically conducted jointly or independently, in line with standard charterparty requirements, and are designed to give both parties a fair, evidence-based baseline for the charter period.
Survey coverage includes
- Hull & holds
- Machinery spaces
- Documentation review
- Bunker quantities
- Equipment inventory
Bunker Quantity Inspection
Precise measurement and verification of fuel quantities during bunkering operations to prevent disputes and quantity losses.
Typically requested by
Owners, charterers and traders needing independent fuel quantity verification.
Bunker quantity surveys provide an independent, accurate measurement of fuel and lubricant quantities on board at delivery, redelivery, or during routine bunkering operations. Ali verifies tank soundings, calculates volumes and quantities using recognised measurement methods, and cross-checks delivery documentation against actual quantities received or remaining, helping to identify and resolve short-delivery or quality disputes before they escalate. The resulting report gives owners, charterers and traders a reliable, defensible record for commercial and contractual purposes.
Survey coverage includes
- Tank soundings
- Volume calculations
- Delivery documentation
- Quality cross-checks
Condition Surveys
Thorough inspections of a vessel's structural and operational condition for sale, purchase, insurance, or chartering purposes.
Typically requested by
Underwriters, financiers, buyers and sellers needing an independent condition benchmark.
A condition survey delivers a thorough, independent assessment of a vessel's structural, mechanical and cosmetic state at a given point in time, commonly required for insurance placement, sale and purchase, financing, or periodic risk review. Ali examines hull and deck structure, machinery, safety equipment and general seaworthiness, documenting findings with photographic evidence and clear recommendations where deficiencies are identified. The report is structured to meet the expectations of underwriters, financiers and buyers alike, giving all parties confidence in the vessel's true condition.
Survey coverage includes
- Hull & deck structure
- Machinery
- Safety equipment
- General seaworthiness
Cargo Surveys and Inspections
Detailed cargo condition, quantity, and quality inspections at loading and discharge to safeguard all parties involved.
Typically requested by
Shippers, receivers and insurers protecting cargo interests.
Cargo surveys safeguard the interests of shippers, receivers, and insurers by independently verifying the condition, quantity and stowage of cargo before, during and after loading or discharge. Ali inspects holds and containers prior to loading, monitors loading/discharge operations, and assesses cargo condition on arrival, identifying any damage, shortage or contamination and establishing when and how it occurred. This independent documentation supports cargo claims, quality assurance and contractual compliance across a wide range of commodity and container cargo types.
Survey coverage includes
- Pre-loading hold & container inspection
- Loading / discharge monitoring
- Condition on arrival
- Damage & shortage assessment
Superintendence
On-site technical supervision of repairs, dry-docking, loading/discharging operations, and newbuilding oversight.
Typically requested by
Owners, charterers and managers who need independent on-site oversight.
Superintendence gives owners, charterers and managers independent, on-site oversight of operations such as loading and discharge, repairs, dry-docking, newbuilding supervision or vessel conversions. Acting as the client's representative, Ali monitors progress against specifications and schedules, verifies workmanship and compliance, and reports promptly on any issues that could affect cost, quality or timeline. This hands-on presence gives clients an independent set of eyes on operations they cannot always attend themselves, reducing risk and protecting commercial interests.
Survey coverage includes
- Loading / discharge oversight
- Repairs
- Dry-docking
- Newbuilding supervision
- Conversions
Ship-to-Ship Operations
Safety and compliance oversight during ship-to-ship transfer operations, ensuring procedures meet international standards.
Typically requested by
Owners, charterers and terminal operators managing STS transfer risk.
Ship-to-ship (STS) transfer operations carry inherent operational and safety risks, and Ali provides independent oversight throughout mooring, cargo transfer and unmooring to help ensure operations proceed safely and in line with recognised industry guidance. His attendance covers compatibility checks, monitoring of transfer rates and quantities, and documentation of the operation from start to finish, giving all parties an accurate, independent record. This support helps owners, charterers and terminal operators manage risk and maintain a clear operational record for STS transfers of various cargo types.
Survey coverage includes
- Compatibility checks
- Mooring oversight
- Transfer rate & quantity monitoring
- Unmooring
- Full documentation
Guided by International Standards
AIMS is an independent surveying practice, not a classification society or P&I Club. Reports are built to meet the standards those bodies expect.
Professional Standards
Ali's surveying work is guided by the professional standards and code of conduct upheld by internationally recognised marine surveying bodies such as the International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS).
Classification-Aligned Methodology
Condition and on/off-hire surveys are carried out in line with the inspection standards and structural guidelines applied by IACS member classification societies, including Lloyd's Register, DNV, ABS and Bureau Veritas.
Insurer & P&I Expectations
Every survey is conducted with the level of objectivity, accuracy and independence expected by Protection & Indemnity (P&I) Clubs, classification societies and marine insurers.
Ali regularly carries out survey instructions on behalf of shipowners, charterers, insurers and P&I Club correspondents worldwide. Every case is dealt with directly, not passed to a call centre or a rotating roster of staff. Want to know more about the person behind every report? Meet Ali.
Need a Survey for One of These Services?
Tell Ali the vessel, port and timing, and he'll come back to you directly and promptly with next steps and a tailored quote.
