Who We Are?

Independent Surveyors is a premier company of Marine & Cargo Surveyors and Maritime Consultants operating since 1970.

Originally established as Vine Able & Banks, later as Burislee Shipping Services, and now under our present name, we bring over five decades of expertise to the maritime industry.

Our team consists of qualified Marine Engineers and Master Mariners with extensive surveying experience.

With our headquarters in Kuwait and a branch office in Basra, Iraq, we proudly serve clients throughout the Middle East region.

Our commitment to independence, thoroughness, and professionalism has earned us recognition from major classification societies and maritime organizations worldwide.

Specialized Maritime Expertise

Our Professional Survey Solutions

Technical Advisory

Expert guidance for maritime operations and compliance.

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Cargo Inspection

Thorough inspection and documentation of cargo condition and damage.

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Vessel Inspection

Comprehensive assessment of vessel condition and mechanical systems.

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Regulatory Compliance

Expert guidance on maritime safety, security, and labor standards.

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Quantity Verification

Precise measurement of cargo quantities for commercial transactions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Expert Answers to Common Inquiries

Independent Surveyors is a marine and cargo surveying company established in 1970. We've operated in Kuwait for over 50 years, previously under the names Vine Able & Banks and Burislee Shipping Services, before assuming our present identity.

We primarily operate throughout Kuwait and Iraq, with our headquarters in Kuwait and a branch office in Basra, Iraq. However, we can arrange services for clients across the Middle East region through our network of professional associates.

Our surveyors include qualified Marine Engineers with First Class Certificates of Competency and Master Mariners with extensive sea-going experience. They hold various professional certifications including ISM Lead Auditor, ISO 9000 Lead Auditor, and MLC 2006 Inspector qualifications.

We survey all types of commercial vessels including bulk carriers, tankers, container ships, general cargo vessels, offshore support vessels, and specialized craft. We also conduct surveys on recreational vessels such as yachts when required.

Yes, we offer emergency response services for marine casualties including collisions, groundings, and cargo damage incidents. Our surveyors can be mobilized quickly to attend vessels in distress and provide necessary documentation and technical guidance.

Yes, our surveyors have worked as non-exclusive surveyors for major classification societies including ABS, Bureau Veritas, DNV, Germanischer Lloyd, Nippon Kaiji Kyokai, Korean Register, and China Register Corporation, allowing us to assist with classification requirements.

Yes, we offer comprehensive consultancy services for regulatory compliance including ISM, ISPS, and MLC 2006. Our team includes certified auditors and inspectors authorized to conduct official inspections for certain flag states.

To arrange a survey, we typically require basic details including vessel name, location, type of survey required, preferred timing, and relevant contact information. For cargo surveys, information about cargo type and quantity is also helpful.

For urgent cases within Kuwait, we can typically mobilize surveyors within 2-4 hours of receiving all necessary information. For locations in Iraq or other areas, response time depends on travel logistics, but we prioritize urgent requests.

Survey duration varies significantly depending on the type and scope. A basic cargo inspection might take a few hours, while a comprehensive condition survey or damage investigation could require several days. We can provide time estimates based on specific requirements.

Our survey reports typically include detailed observations, photographic documentation, relevant measurements or test results, analysis of findings, and professional recommendations. Reports are tailored to the specific survey type and client requirements.

Survey fees are determined based on several factors including the type and complexity of the survey, vessel size, location, time required, and any special equipment or expertise needed. We provide quotes based on the specific requirements of each assignment.

Yes, we maintain strict confidentiality regarding all survey findings and client information. Reports are provided only to the commissioning party unless specifically authorized otherwise.

Yes, we can provide references from previous clients upon request, subject to their permission. We have longstanding relationships with various P&I clubs, insurance companies, and shipping organizations who regularly use our services.

You can schedule a survey or consultation by contacting our office by phone at (965) 2240-1154, by email at bss@independentsurveyors.com, or by completing the contact form on our website. Our team will respond promptly to discuss your requirements.

CONTACT OUR SURVEY TEAM

Diverse Marine Survey Expertise

What we do

Independent Surveyors provides comprehensive maritime surveying and consultancy services to protect your assets and interests.

We serve a diverse clientele including P&I clubs, classification societies, cargo underwriters, hull & machinery insurers, vessel owners, and charterers.

Our multi-disciplinary expertise spans vessel condition assessment, cargo verification, damage investigation, safety compliance, and specialized marine consultancy.

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Marine Services

Our core marine services include hull & machinery surveys, on/off hire inspections, condition assessment, and damage investigation. We provide detaile see more...

Cargo Expertise

Our cargo expertise encompasses pre-loading inspections, loading supervision, quantity verification, and damage assessment for all cargo types. We del see more...

Regulatory Compliance

We offer specialized consultancy and auditing services for ISM, ISPS, and MLC 2006 compliance. Our certified auditors and inspectors help vessel opera see more...