The activities of independent inspection services have always been determined by the needs of the industries that use their services. It is important for procedures and accuracy levels to remain consistent throughout the entire cargo movement; bearing in mind that load and discharge facilities are frequently in different countries. This need has resulted in the petroleum industry having produced measurement standards for determining quantity and quality of bulk petroleum shipments.
Maintaining an ethical level of confidentiality between cargo trading partners. Independent inspectors must be qualified to perform fieldwork safely and according to standards, apply correct calculations, interact professionally with others and produce accurate, complete and legible documents detailing the events of the job performed. This basic awareness course is designed to provide a firm foundation for building the necessary level of experience to meet the demands and challenges of this profession. Integrity is at the core of our business; it is the common thread through all of our activities. The SGS Code of Integrity defines the main principles of professional integrity for the SGS Group and is an expression of the values that are shared throughout our organization, our businesses and our affiliates. These rules apply to all employees of the SGS Group. Our joint venture partners, agents, intermediaries, consultants and subcontractors are also required to comply with them. It is the responsibility of all of us, at all levels of our organisation, to comply with, and live by our Code. A Word on Compliance as
The Job of Independent Inspection The scope of work provided by independent inspection companies is determined by contractual agreement which typically takes the form of a nomination order. This scope of work usually includes some or all of the following: Measuring, sampling and making required observations to verify that cargo transfer is carried out according to agreed standards. Working closely with refineries, terminals and other parties engaged in the custody transfer. Performing calculations and completing reports according to standards and company requirements. Protesting any actions or omissions of the terminal or vessel that might lead to a discrepancy. Promptly reporting findings to the parties who have requested services. As licensed by the US Customs to provide quantity and quality information for excise purposes on Customs' related movements. Examining all available information to determine if there are apparent discrepancies; and, if there are, taking a leading role in the systematic analysis of data to determine the likely cause of any variances.
Petroleum Measurement Standards
Strict adherence to the agreed upon measurement standards, as specified in the sales contract, is the principal way in which we demonstrate our independence, impartiality and quality. In the petroleum and petrochemical industry, the technical procedures that guide all measurement activities have been written into standards by a consensus of experts with years of measurement, sampling, tank calibration and data management experience. In the US, the American Petroleum Institute (API) sponsors the writing of the Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards . Most members of API standards writing working groups are from refining companies, pipeline companies, independent inspection companies and equipment suppliers.
9
Made with FlippingBook Digital Publishing Software