Depot Surveyor

ISO-Tank Depot Operations:

Gate-In Inspection

• Conduct comprehensive visual inspections of incoming ISO tank containers for visible damage, defects, or abnormalities involving the tank shell, frame, fittings, valves, manlids, walkways, and other external components.
• Verify container identification details, including ISO tank number, CSC (Convention for Safe Containers) plate validity, markings, and other relevant information.
• Check for residues, leaks, contamination, or other abnormalities from previous cargo, particularly for tanks carrying hazardous or sensitive materials.
• Capture clear and high-quality photographic evidence of the tank condition, particularly for any damage, defects, or discrepancies identified.
• Record all inspection findings accurately in the depot management system, inspection checklist, or other designated records.

Gate-Out Inspection

• Conduct final inspections of outgoing ISO tank containers to ensure they are in the required condition for dispatch, including being cleaned, repaired, and appropriately certified where applicable.
• Verify that all required seals are intact, correctly applied, and properly recorded.
• Confirm that all required documentation, including cleaning certificates, gas-free certificates, repair documentation, and other relevant certificates, is complete and accurate before the tank leaves the depot.
• Ensure the tank is fit and ready for its next journey and identify any outstanding issues before release.
• Verify that the tank condition is consistent with the required customer, operational, and safety standards.
• Damage Assessment and Reporting
• Assess the extent and severity of damage identified during inspections, distinguishing between normal wear and tear, minor damage, and defects requiring repair.
• Determine whether identified damage may affect the tank's safe operation, structural integrity, or suitability for use.
• Recommend appropriate repair methods in accordance with applicable industry standards, customer requirements, and relevant ISO tank inspection and repair guidelines.
• Prepare detailed damage survey reports, including photographs, descriptions of defects, measurements, and recommended repair actions.
• Prepare EOR (Estimate of Repair) reports and repair estimates for customer or relevant stakeholder review and approval.
• Monitor and follow up on approved repair requirements where necessary.
• Communicate proactively with customers, shipping lines, tank owners, and other relevant stakeholders regarding tank condition, damage findings, and proposed repairs.

Documentation and Record Keeping

• Maintain accurate, complete, and organized records of all inspections, damage reports, repair estimates, photographs, certificates, and related documentation.
• Ensure inspection and survey information is accurately entered into the depot management system or designated digital platforms.
• Track tank inspection status, repair requirements, and outstanding documentation.
• Ensure all records are properly maintained and readily available for audit, customer review, or operational reference.
• Ensure compliance with applicable internal procedures, customer requirements, and regulatory documentation requirements.

Safety and Compliance

• Strictly adhere to all workplace health and safety procedures when conducting inspections within the depot.
• Follow appropriate safety requirements when working at height, accessing tank tops, working around heavy machinery, and entering restricted or confined areas.
• Comply with applicable international codes, regulations, and standards governing ISO tank containers and the transportation of dangerous goods, including the IMDG Code and CSC requirements.
• Identify and report safety hazards, unsafe conditions, damaged equipment, and non-compliance issues immediately to the relevant supervisor or management.
• Ensure inspection activities are carried out without compromising personal safety, the safety of other personnel, or the integrity of the tank.
• Coordination and Communication.
• Liaise effectively with depot operations staff, maintenance and repair teams, drivers, customers, tank owners, shipping lines, freight forwarders, and external surveyors.
• Coordinate with relevant departments to ensure tanks requiring inspection, repair, cleaning, or certification are properly managed.
• Assist in joint surveys with external surveyors, customers, tank owners, or other relevant representatives when required.
• Communicate inspection findings, damage conditions, repair requirements, and tank release status clearly and promptly.
• Support smooth and efficient movement of tanks through the gate area while minimizing operational delays and bottlenecks.

Quality Control

• Conduct inspection activities in accordance with established depot procedures, inspection standards, and customer requirements.
• Identify recurring defects, damage trends, or operational issues and report them to management.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives relating to tank inspection, repair quality, documentation, and depot operations.
• Ensure tanks released from the depot meet the required operational, safety, and quality standards.

Ad-Hoc Duties

• Assist with other depot operations, inspection activities, and quality control checks as assigned by management.
• Support operational activities during peak periods or when additional manpower is required.
• Participate in internal and external training programmes to maintain and enhance technical knowledge.
• Keep up to date with relevant industry practices, regulations, standards, and inspection requirements.
• Perform any other duties and responsibilities reasonably assigned by management.

Required Qualification & Experience

Diploma / Nitec / Higher Nitec in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Logistics or a related discipline, with at least 2–3 years of relevant experience in ISO tank container, tank depot, marine, terminal, chemical or equipment inspection operations. Candidates with substantial relevant ISO tank/depot experience may be considered in lieu of formal qualifications.

The candidate should possess practical knowledge of ISO tank inspection, tank fittings, valves, frames, manlids, safety devices, CSC requirements, damage assessment, cleanliness and condition inspection. Knowledge of dangerous goods, chemical cargo handling, WSH requirements and relevant tank-container standards will be an advantage.