Coordination of ship inspection arrangements and scheduling.
	Liaison between oil trading companies and regional shipping companies such as Caspar, Palmali, or any other body as designated.
	Follow up with shipping companies regarding the progress of the owner's response and status of the ship inspection.
	Accommodation arrangements for vetting inspectors arriving for ship inspection.
	Arrangement of transportation for inspectors to the Caspian ports and berths.
	Providing assistance to ship inspectors during audits.

NG Incorporated's technical personnel monitor the operation, maintenance, performance, and procedures of each vessel.  They work in collaboration with the ship's management team to ensure each nominated vessel meets the principal’s expectations, and all industrial standards. Timely monitoring and reporting is achieved through strict implementation of Quality Assurance procedures with regular hands-on inspections, and the incorporation of innovative marine practices.

The vessel vetting inspectors use the industry-agreed Oil Companies’ International Marine Forum (OCIMF) SIRE inspection format as the main ship inspection criteria. All questions are carefully answered to make the report useful to other SIRE participants who may wish to access the report at a later date.  Inspectors detail both positive and negative aspects of the ship’s operations during the inspection.

Ships are assessed using international conventions and industry recommendations such as the Inert Gas System (IGS), Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL).

Guidance provided by the International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals (ISGOTT) pertains to all tanker types and the Society of International Gas Tankers. However, a “high risk” observation list is utilized to identify items of greater concern.

Inspectors are required to report all vessel or operational deficiencies in their reports. Any deficiencies found to be serious are assessed as “High Risk”, and identified as such on an Observations List left with the ship’s master at the end of each inspection. The use of such vessels is precluded until all observations have been satisfactorily closed out, with special emphasis placed on those items assessed as high risk.
 

Following the successful close out of an inspection report, the ship owner is advised that further operational inspection may not be required for a period of time.  This does not constitute a blanket approval of the vessel for business, and thevessels are  screened each time they are tendered for business. Generally, at the beginning of the audit, the ship inspector is accompanied by an NG Incorporated representative to meet with the captain. They discuss the vessel’s schedule and inspect the vessel with care, as to not interference with the cargo work. It is recommended that they are accompanied by a senior officer of the relevant department - i.e. the Master or Chief Engineer.

It is helpful if the vessel has prepared the initial paper work, such as all the trading certificates, crew certificates, etc. It is a good idea to keep all files, log books and other records ready in the ship’s office prior to the inspector’s arrival. In addition to being convenient during the documentation review, it also creates a positive impression regarding the professionalism and foresight of the vessel’s officers.
 

The audit team reviews the following, where applicable:

Once the paper work has been completed, the audit team makes their way around the deck to identify any deficiencies, and may also ask the crew members a few questions. On completion of the deck round, they go down to inspect the engine room. It should be noted that the Emergency Fire Pump, Emergency Generator, Emergency Steering and the ODME are expected to be operated by the officer or any other representative accompanying the audit team.

	Review of documentation (preparatory for opening meeting).
	Opening meeting with Master, Chief Engineer and Chief Mate (if available).
	Complete review of the documentation.
	Wheelhouse and navigation.
	Communications (radio room or GMDSS station).
	The exterior of the wheelhouse.
	The exterior of the accommodations to the poop.
	Up the main deck to the forecastle and forecastle spaces.
	Back down the main deck and checking a ballast tank (as agreed in the opening meeting).
	The pump room to the Cargo Control Room with Chief Officer
	Discussion with Chief Engineer and into the engine room including review of PMS.
	With the Master back through the internal areas of the accommodations.
	Finally, a period for the inspector to summarize his thoughts.
	A final meeting with the Master and department heads.

Variations in scheduling will be considered if they are necessary to avoid disruption of the ship’s normal operation.  As well, the order of inspection can be varied as necessary.

During the final meeting, a list of observations is reviewed with the Master.  This review ensures that all observations are based on the correct information, and no misunderstanding occurs. The Master is not expected to provide corrective actions or imply agreement with the observations - his signature is only an indication that he has received the observations.

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