Watch That Draft!”: Why Extra Vigilance at Disport Can Save You from Shortage Claims

 ⚖️ “Watch That Draft!”: Why Extra Vigilance at Disport Can Save You from Shortage Claims ⚠️

❓ Are you 100% confident in your disport draft survey procedures?

❓ Can strict surveyors cost you thousands in claims?

❓ Is your vessel crew trained to handle high-stakes draft reading scrutiny?

 

🔍 Clause Breakdown: Draft Survey Vigilance at Disport

Charter Party Notice:
"Vessel should exercise extra care and caution while carrying out draft surveys at disport in order to avoid any shortages. Receivers’ surveyors are very strict, hence vessel needs to be extra vigilant."

This clause may appear routine, but it carries significant commercial implications. It is a proactive alert to the Master and crew that receiver-appointed surveyors at the disport are particularly stringent, and any inaccuracies or procedural lapses could trigger shortage claims, delays, and disputes.

⚠️ Implications:

• Shortage Claims: Even minor reading inconsistencies can be flagged by surveyors and used as the basis for claims.
• Charter Party Disputes: Disagreements in weight figures could escalate into performance or demurrage conflicts.
• Reputational Risk: A vessel repeatedly flagged for poor draft practices may lose favor with top charterers or brokers.

🧭 Real-World Example:

In a 2021 case at a Southeast Asian port, a vessel’s port draft reading was challenged due to poor visibility and missing draft mark paint. Despite all cargo being discharged, a shortage claim of USD 38,000 was filed due to "inconsistent readings". The P&I Club disputed the claim, but reputational damage was done.

📚 BIMCO Commentary:

BIMCO strongly advises that accurate draft survey procedures and transparency are vital. Vessels should ensure draft marks are clear, and that a qualified officer always accompanies the surveyor. Many owners now also use timestamped draft photos as supportive evidence.

 

🧰 Actionable Steps for Owners, Operators & Masters

✅ Before Arrival:

• Paint and clean draft marks.
• Brief crew on draft survey importance.
• Rehearse tank soundings and record-keeping.

✅ During Draft Survey:

• Assign an experienced officer to accompany surveyor.
• Jointly verify each draft mark.
• Take timestamped photographs of draft readings.
• Maintain an independent sounding logbook.

✅ After Draft Survey:

• Retain signed copies of calculations.
• Ensure B/L quantity disputes are documented properly.
• Report any surveyor misconduct or irregularities to owners immediately.

💡 Tip: Never sign any documents under pressure. If discrepancies arise, sign "Under Protest" and notify charterers promptly.

 

📢 Final Thoughts & Call to Action

In today’s high-pressure shipping world, small oversights during draft surveys can snowball into major claims. By promoting vigilance, documentation, and open communication, you protect not only your vessel — but your commercial standing.

📩 Have you ever faced a surprise shortage claim at disport? How did you resolve it?
👇 Drop your experience in the comments!
🔁 Share this with your Master, Ops team, and P&I Club contacts.
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📌 Disclaimer:

This blog post is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or commercial advice. Shipping professionals are advised to consult with legal advisors, P&I Clubs, or chartering experts when handling claims or disputes.