Frequently Asked Questions

For urgent cargo, damage, or bunker survey requests, we aim to have a surveyor on-site within hours, supported by our 24/7 emergency response line. Standard inspections are typically scheduled within one to two business days.

SIMS covers Mombasa, Dar es Salaam, and other major East African ports, with surveyors able to travel to secondary ports and anchorages as required by the assignment.

Yes. Our reports are structured to internationally recognized survey standards and are regularly relied upon by P&I clubs, underwriters, and legal counsel in claims negotiation and, where necessary, arbitration.

A draft survey calculates cargo weight from the vessel's own draft readings and displacement, making it the standard method where shore-based weighing infrastructure is unavailable or where an independent, vessel-side figure is required.

SIMS surveyors draw certified samples for bunker quality, ballast water compliance, and cargo quality assessments, coordinating with accredited laboratories for analysis where required.

Typically the vessel name, ETA/ETB, port and berth, cargo or survey type, and the instructing party's contact details. Our team will confirm scope and timing once we have this information.

Yes — for pre-purchase inspections, condition surveys, or scheduled inspections, we can coordinate attendance at anchorage, drydock, or during a scheduled port call.

Yes. Many of our shipping line and container lessor clients engage us for recurring bunker verification, container inspection, or condition survey programmes across their fleet or depot network.

Fees depend on survey type, location, and urgency. Contact our team via the request-a-quote form for a prompt, tailored quotation.

SIMS operates as a fully independent survey and inspection firm with no commercial affiliation to any shipowner, charterer, or insurer, ensuring every report is impartial.