Container inspection services

Introduction

ITVC Global’s experienced personnel are trained in container inspection practices, including the IICL-6 guide. ITVC provides condition assessments for containers entering and leaving ports.

The service scope can include container identification and condition, construction and structural requirements, suitability for the intended cargo, loading supervision, cargo quantity and quality before loading, damage surveys and assessment of container damage or cargo loss.

Inspectors examine whether the container meets the agreed criteria for transport service, describe damage affecting structural integrity and estimate repair needs where included in the assignment. IICL-6 is an inspection guide, not a law; the applicable guide, owner’s criteria and regulatory requirements should be confirmed for the job.

Container inspection procedure

Inspectors follow the container inspection procedure applicable to the assignment.

Container inspection procedure checks structural condition before loading, during or after securing and dunnage, and after unloading, including the condition and operation of door locking arrangements.

Different inspection tasks require different procedures. The procedure should use the relevant IICL guidance and the technical criteria agreed for the inspection.

Inspection scope

Understructure and base frame

• Inspect the understructure and base frame, including before assembly or welding where fabrication inspection is in scope.
• Inspect cross-members and reinforcing beams.

External structure and doors

• Check the door locking mechanism for correct operation, security and condition.
• Inspect structural materials and coating condition.
• Check the presence and condition of pins, locks, rivets and fasteners.
• Inspect door repairs and door materials.
• Examine external and internal structural surfaces.
• Inspect the left and right side walls.

Front wall, corners and roof

• Inspect corner reinforcement and ventilation arrangements.
• Check container dimensions.
• Inspect the roof and upper structure.
• Check internal height from floor to roof. 
• Examine the condition and integrity of the internal structure.
• Identify visible repairs and associated structural concerns.
• Use suitable inspection tools and agreed methods, including checks for tightness where applicable.

Floor structure

• Inspect the floor and its relationship to the surrounding structure.
• Check floor continuity, fixing and structural integrity.
• Check variations in floor-to-roof height at relevant points.
• Examine routine repairs.
• Conduct reefer-container pre-trip inspection (PTI) where requested.
• Check operation of the refrigeration equipment.
• Check settings against the relevant technical requirements.
• Check temperatures and the operation of the refrigeration and generator systems as applicable.

Other inspections on request

• Surveys before repair, leasing, return or interchange.
• Damage surveys.
• Assessment of the extent of loss or damage.
• Checks of suitability for loading the intended cargo.
• Cleanliness and tightness inspections of dry, reefer or tank containers against the carrier’s or shipper’s agreed criteria.

Reefer pre-trip inspection (PTI)

• Comprehensive checks of an empty reefer container’s condition.
• Checks of technical operation during stuffing and while awaiting export at the terminal.
• Repair and maintenance support at ports, depots or on board, including 24-hour arrangements where agreed and available.
• Download of reefer operating data where authorised and technically supported.
• Reefer surveys and repair support for leasing companies.
• Container condition reports and repair estimates; online reporting through Depotsmart or Sealiner where agreed and available.

Container inspection photographs