A wrong Draft Survey can cost a shipowner thousands.

And it happens more often than you’d think.

I’ve seen it firsthand:
Surveys done in a rush.
Poor visibility. No calm waters.
Trim ignored. Buoyancy assumptions wrong.
Just another Excel sheet completed… without really understanding what the numbers mean.

At UP RIVER MARINE, we don’t just fill out spreadsheets.
We understand what they mean — and what’s at stake.

✅ We apply proper trim and density corrections
✅ We confirm that the vessel is truly afloat along her full length, with at least 30 cm clearance
✅ We inspect the berth conditions to avoid bottom contact
✅ We cross-check readings and keep full photographic records
✅ We make sure every party involved understands the outcome
✅ And above all: we defend our client’s interests — always

Because a draft survey is more than just reading numbers.
The mean draft is not just a midpoint — it’s the most critical reading to get right.

In some terminals, vessels may sit on the bottom without clear signs, especially during low tide or partial loading. If no one notices — if no one challenges the conditions — your cargo intake can be off by hundreds of tons. That means lost revenue. Or disputes you didn’t ask for.

And yes, we know that shipping schedules don’t always allow ideal conditions.
But that’s exactly why precision matters even more.
When you only get one shot, it needs to be right.

At UP RIVER MARINE, we survey each vessel as if it were our own.
Because trust is built with accuracy.
And accuracy is our job.