Baltic Kontor takes and properly seals cargo samples in Latvia when the quality or condition of a shipment needs to be documented. Where analysis is required, the samples can be submitted to an independent laboratory, with a laboratory certificate obtained where required. This process applies to fuels and dry cargoes including grain, fertilizers and pellets, as well as other cargoes according to the instruction.
Sampling and sealing
The sampling point and the scope of attendance depend on the cargo and the question being investigated. Sealing helps identify the material submitted for analysis and forms part of the survey record. The surveyor's attendance and the independent laboratory's analysis are distinct steps.
Independent laboratory analysis
Where the instruction calls for testing, sealed samples are submitted to an independent laboratory. The laboratory performs the analysis and issues its certificate where required.
When the process is useful
Sampling may support routine quality control during dry or liquid cargo surveys. It may also provide evidence when contamination, wetting or an off-specification cargo is at issue in a cargo damage claim. The required tests and the laboratory are agreed for the specific instruction.