Independent surveyor's check on bulker holds before loading sensitive cargoes (grain, sulphur, wood pellets) for cleanliness, dryness, and structural condition.
In practice
Pre-loading inspection by an independent surveyor (National Cargo Bureau, BIMCO panel surveyor) before grain, sulphur, wood-pellet, project-cargo loading. Failure to pass triggers re-cleaning before NOR can be tendered.
Regulatory detail & full definition
Pre-loading hold inspection conducted by an independent surveyor before loading sensitive bulk cargoes such as grain, sulphur, wood pellets, and concentrates. The inspection confirms holds are clean, dry, free of previous-cargo residues, structurally sound, and that hatch covers seal weather-tight. National Cargo Bureau certificates are widely recognised in US grain trades; BIMCO publishes guidelines for similar inspections in other jurisdictions. Cargoes are commonly rejected or held back for re-cleaning when holds fail the inspection — the reason masters insist on an independent survey before tendering NOR.