The On/Off Hire Survey is a highly specialized inspection carried out at the beginning and end of a vessel’s charter period. Its primary purpose is to determine the vessel’s physical condition, bunker quantities, equipment status, and overall seaworthiness through an independent assessment. The entry survey documents the exact condition of the vessel at delivery, while the off-hire survey provides an accurate comparison at redelivery, highlighting any damages, missing items, or deviations that may have occurred during the charter period. This process protects both charterer and owner by reducing the risk of disputes and ensuring full transparency.

The survey begins with a thorough structural and operational assessment of the vessel. This includes inspection of the hull, deck surfaces, cargo holds, deck machinery, mooring equipment, navigation systems, safety gear, accommodation areas, and engine room components. One of the critical parts of the survey is the bunker measurement, where fuel oil, marine gas oil, diesel oil, and lubricants are carefully measured to document the exact quantities onboard. This prevents disagreements regarding fuel consumption and bunker returns at the end of the charter.

All equipment on board — including safety appliances, navigation tools, wires, slings, hoses, chains, firefighting systems, and operational tools — is recorded in detail. These lists serve as a baseline for the vessel’s condition and equipment inventory, enabling precise comparison at the end of the hire period.

Upon completion, a detailed survey report is issued, containing all observations, photographs, measurement data, and technical notes. This report provides a neutral and transparent reference for both charterer and shipowner, ensuring that any claims regarding damage or missing items are supported by solid evidence. As a result, the On/Off Hire Survey plays a vital role in maintaining trust, preventing commercial disputes, and strengthening operational reliability in maritime transport.