Container loading and discharge supervision is the independent checking and recording of container numbers, seal and external condition, and stowage positions on board during the operation. Its aim is to document discrepancies and damage at the moment they occur.
What is Container Loading and Discharge Supervision?
Container supervision aims to establish independently whether the containers loaded onto or discharged from a vessel match the records, and whether they were damaged during the operation.
The surveyor checks container numbers, seal numbers and external damage and, where required, whether the stowage position on board matches the bay plan. Containers that are not on the list, damaged or with seal discrepancies are reported to the parties concerned during the operation.
Besides standard dry containers, special types such as open tops, flat racks and reefers may need additional checks. For reefers, the set temperature and whether the unit is running can be observed; for cargo on flat racks, lashing and tarpaulin condition can be noted.
Supervision can cover the whole operation or only the containers of a specific client; the scope is agreed at the quotation stage.
Why does it matter?
In container transport the surveyor usually cannot see the cargo itself, so seal integrity and the external condition of the box are the key indicators for allocating responsibility each time the cargo changes hands.
If impact damage, punctures or corner casting damage caused during handling are not recorded at the time, it may later be impossible to establish whether the damage occurred at the terminal, on board or during inland transport.
Spotting a wrong container being loaded, or a container left behind on the quay (short shipment), during the operation helps avoid delays and additional costs.
Who is it for?
- Shippers and consignees of containerised cargo
- Lines, agents and charterers wishing to have container operations independently monitored
- Insurers needing documentation for damage or shortage claims
- Companies shipping high-value or sensitive goods in containers
- Parties handling special equipment such as reefers, open tops and flat racks
Scope of service
- Container number and count check
- Checking and recording seal numbers against the list
- External damage check (dents, holes, corner and door damage)
- Visual check of door locking gear and gasket areas
- Observation of stowage positions against the bay plan (on request)
- Observation of reefer set temperature and unit status (on request)
- Observation of cargo securing and covers on flat racks and open tops
- Photographic record of damaged or non-conforming containers
The exact scope is agreed at the quotation stage according to the nature of the operation.
Key checkpoints
- 01Seal integrity
- The surveyor checks that the seal number matches the list, that the seal is intact and correctly fitted, and that there are no signs of tampering.
- 02Structure and doors
- Side walls, roof and doors are checked for dents, holes, tears and weld repairs; door handles and locking bars are checked for bending or missing parts.
- 03Number and list match
- Container number and type are matched against the loading or discharge list; containers missing from the list, or listed but not found, are recorded separately.
- 04Stowage position
- On request, the bay, row and tier position on board is compared with the plan, with particular attention to dangerous goods and heavy containers.
- 05Special equipment
- Whether the reefer unit is running and its displayed set point, the securing of cargo on flat racks and the condition of open-top tarpaulins are noted.
How does the process work?
- 01
List and plan
The loading/discharge list, seal numbers and stowage plan where available are obtained, and the containers to be supervised are identified.
- 02
Field checks
Containers are checked for number, seal and external condition during the operation.
- 03
Reporting discrepancies
Containers that are off-list, damaged or have seal discrepancies are reported to the relevant parties immediately.
- 04
Report
Check results, photographs and the list of discrepancies are issued as a report.
Information we need from you
- Vessel name, port and operation time
- Loading or discharge list (container and seal numbers)
- Containers to be covered (whole operation or a specific group)
- Special equipment and any special instructions (e.g. set temperature)
- Stowage plan, if available
Reporting
- Container check list
- Damage and discrepancy report
- Photographic appendix
Report content and format are agreed according to your request.
Key terms
- Bay plan
- A stowage plan showing each container's position on board by bay, row and tier number.
- Seal
- A numbered, single-use locking device fitted to the container door; it shows whether the container has been opened since it was closed.
- Corner casting
- The steel fitting at each of a container's eight corners, used for lifting, stacking and securing.
- Short shipment
- Cargo or containers listed for loading but left behind on the quay and not shipped.
Frequently asked questions
Is the inside of the container checked as well?
Standard container supervision covers external condition, numbers and seals. Internal inspection or stuffing supervision is a separate scope that must be requested specifically.
What happens if a seal discrepancy is found?
The discrepancy is recorded with photographs and reported to the relevant parties during the operation; the parties decide on the next steps.
Can supervision cover only certain containers?
Yes. Supervision can be planned for the whole operation or for containers belonging to a specific shipment.
What is checked on reefer containers?
On request, the surveyor observes whether the unit is running, the set and actual temperatures shown on the display and whether power has been connected on board. Measuring cargo temperature inside the box is a separate scope.
How does container supervision differ from tally services?
A tally clerk primarily counts units. Container supervision records seals, external damage and stowage compliance in addition to the count.