International School
for Inspectors of Petroleum

Providing Worldwide Training Services

CERTIFICATION OF INSPECTION / SURVEY
OF MARINE PETROLEUM CARGOES

Exam Subjects FAQ's Back to Home Page


International School for Inspectors of Petroleum (ISIP), an affiliate company of Enercon Group, Inc., is an independently owned corporation specifically formed to provide certification, training and related consulting services to the petroleum and maritime industries. It is committed to excellence in petroleum measurement and operational safety with all of its programs founded on API, IP, ISO, IMO and other related industry standards.


WHY CERTIFICATION?

Certification provides various benefits to the inspector and the user alike. Some examples include:

  • Provides an independent verification of surveyor's expertise & qualifications.
  • Confirmation of a surveyor's knowledge of basic terminal and safety requirements.
  • Recognizes the professionalism of the surveyor and his or her commitment to providing quality service.
  • Assures the surveyor's knowledge is kept current through a certification renewal process.
  • Complements ISO 9000 and ISM programs.


Current Certification and Review Programs


Inspection/ Survey of Marine Petroleum Cargoes

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

To provide a concise and practical review of the subjects involving petroleum cargo, measurement, loss control, operations and safety as well as the opportunity for qualified professionals to be certified in the area of Inspection / Survey of Marine Petroleum Cargoes.


WHO SHOULD ATTEND

While this program is designed as a review session for preparation for taking the certification exam, anyone wishing to get a concise and relevant overview of the topics listed above will benefit from taking it.  In addition those taking the certification exam, managers, supervisors, vessel and terminal operators, vessel coordinators, loss control personnel and anyone else involved with the handling or accounting of petroleum volumes will find this program useful.


The following topics will be covered during the Certification Review Program.

 

Industry Measurement and Safety Standards And Practices

Latest Industry Standards and Practices -API - IP - ASTM - ISO - ANSI
Safety Aspects of Measurement
ISGOTT - OCIMF - IMO - OSHA
Entering Enclosed Spaces
Inert Gas Terminal/Vessel Operations


Petroleum Measurement Review

Measurement Terms and Definitions Measurement/Sampling/Temperature
Basic Ship Design
Static Measurement - Manual - Automatic
Shipboard Measurement - Open/
Closed and Restricted Methods
Small Volumes on Vessels
Dynamic Measurement/Sampling


Loss Control Concepts

Problem of Custody Transfer Operations
Field Activities - Good Inspection
Contract Terms and Conditions
Documentation
Assuring Measurement Accuracy
Loss Prevention and Recovery
Coordination and Communication


Cargo Reconciliation

Importance of Cargo Reconciliation
Reasons for Volumetric Differences
Causes of Loss/Loss Investigations
Vessel Experience Factor (VEF)
OBQ/ROB - Wedge Formula
Voyage Analysis


REGISTRATION / FEES

Enrollment may be done by registering online, calling 305-445-0647, or by email at info@enercongroup.com. Confirmation and program schedule will be sent to participants upon receipt of registration form. 

Session fees are as follows: 

Marine Petroleum Cargoes Certification and Review:  $1,395* USD;  Exam only:  $595 USD. 

*The base fee is $1,395 USD; $1,495 if paid on the first date of the program.  Course fees are payable in U.S. funds drawn on a U.S. bank or affiliate to ENERCON GROUP, INC. 

Note: All cancellations less than two weeks prior to start of course are subject to a $175 cancellation fee.


International School for
Inspectors of Petroleum

INSPECTION or SURVEY of
MARINE PETROLEUM CARGOES

Certification Exam

This comprehensive written exam consists of two parts given during two days. The first part contains 400 real-life questions dealing with measurement, ship/terminal operations, safety, and general industry practices and procedures, such as:

Application of Current Measurement Standards

Knowledge of Measurement Procedures and Industry Practices

Basic Dynamic and Static Measurement

Volumetric Calculations and Documentation

General Ship and Shore Safety Practices

All Other Applicable Measurement Procedures

The second part consists of five case problems dealing with practical aspects of cargo inspection as follows:

Knowledge of Applicable API/IP Standards

Finding Losses/Problems Using Voyage Analysis

Determining Cargo Onboard Using Deadweight Surveys

Calculation and Practical Application of the Vessel Experience Factor (VEF)

Practical Application of the Wedge Factor to Calculate Small Quantities on Vessels

All test questions are based entirely on the latest published editions of the relevant API/IP Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards (MPMS) and the International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals (ISGOTT). The overall passing grade is 80% while the minimum acceptable grade for the practical section is 90%. All general areas on the exam will be well covered during the three-day review program.

 

General Qualifications:

 

Only qualified personnel will be allowed to take the exam for Petroleum Cargo Surveyor.  In general, the candidate must show evidence of at least 365 days experience, have successfully completed an approved training program (this review session is approved) and successfully pass the comprehensive exams described above.

 

Successful candidates will be certified in the area of  Inspection / Survey of Marine Petroleum Cargoes by the International School for Inspectors of Petroleum.

 


Commonly Asked Questions:

What is the purpose of the Certificate Issued?
The issuance of the certificate to qualified individuals is an independent attestation that the holder has been tested and found knowledgeable in the areas of Marine Cargo Inspection/Surveying as detailed in API MPMS Chapter 17 standards and has experience in those areas.

Who can get one?
To be eligible to take the basic ISIP certification exam, the candidate must have at least 365 days verifiable, active, employment as a petroleum inspector or in a related position and have completed a recognized training program. The candidate must then successfully complete a two-day written and practical exam with an 80% average.

How long does the Certification remain valid?
Each certification will be valid for three years after which it must be renewed.

Why the Limit on the Certificate's Validity?
The industry updates, changes and issues new standards and procedures for oil measurement and safety on a routine basis. API has a policy of reviewing standards every five years to re-validate, revise or remove them. A renewable certificate will assure the certified inspector remains current on the latest changes. Also, the renewal process assures the inspector has remained active in the field.

What is the Renewal Process?
A candidate must show verifiable experience, additional training and pass an appropriate exam relative to the certificate being renewed.

Will Certification Guarantee Good Cargo Surveys and Inspections?
Nothing can guarantee that. However, this certificate assures the surveyor/ inspector is experienced, trained, and has passed a comprehensive exam on marine cargo inspection and safety.

Will Certification Reduce Oil Losses?
It is a known fact that most oil "losses" are caused by human error. It is also documented throughout the industry that oil losses can be reduced by 40% or more if the movement is well monitored by qualified personnel. Therefore it is more likely that better trained, certified, personnel will help reduce oil cargo and bunker losses overall.

What is on the exam?
The exam consists of 5 parts. The first 4 sections contain 100 questions each and the 5th section is comprised of 5 practical problems and exercises. All material is based on current API and/or IP standards and the latest safety information found in ISGOTT.

How is this Different from the ISO 9000 Programs?
ISO 9000 programs offer certification to the participating companies whereas this program certifies the qualified individual inspector. Also, the ISO programs allow the company to be proficient in any standards they wish. This program is based on API - IP and ISGOTT standards and procedures.

Does the API Endorse Certification?
As a commercial issue, API does not endorse any private training programs. It does, however, encourage training and education. Further, API MPMS Chapters 17.1 and 17.2 specifically state that inspectors involved in custody transfer measurements must be properly trained in relative measurement, operations, and safety issues. This certification program is founded in these principles and is based on the latest API and ISGOTT standards and procedures.

Who developed the Certification Exams?
The exams used for the ISIP certification programs have been developed by well respected members of the petroleum and marine industries. They have been chairmen or active members of working groups that wrote the existing industry custody transfer standards.

In addition, ISIP's board of advisors is comprised of respected members of the marine industry and the educational profession.

What will Certification cost?
The fee for taking the two-day certification exam is cost-effective.


ABOUT THE SPONSORS.......

For full information please contact us at:

Bruce W. Abugel - President
International School for Inspectors of Petroleum
300 Sevilla Avenue
Suite # 308
Coral Gables, Florida 33134 USA
Tel. (305) 445-0647
Fax (305) 442-0759

Email: 
info@enercongroup.com


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Last updated December 20, 2007

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Photo Disclaimer: The photos found on this page were taken during an offshore petroleum cargo inspection that took place in international waters.  While they are records of actual events we do not condone some of the actions or lack thereof depicted in them.  The use of protective clothing and safety equipment should always be practiced and all related safety standards and procedures adhered to.