Getting a CSC survey for your shipping container is important if you plan to use it for export shipments. These surveys ensure that your container’s condition matches the information on the CSC plate.
Once you buy a shipping container from FILCO Shipping Containers, we can perform the necessary investigations so you can proceed with your exports. Learn more about the significance of a CSC survey in your operations.
What Is a CSC Survey?
CSC surveys are requirements for shipping containers for international transport. CSC stands for the Container Safety Convention. It is also known as the International Convention for Safe Containers, which the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the United Nations established in 1972.
CSC Goals
The CSC has two goals:
- Human Safety: The convention aims to maintain a high-level standard in protecting human lives, especially when container transport and handling are involved.
- Uniform Regulations: The convention aims to provide consistent international safety regulations in facilitating international container transport.
Surveys are among the CSC’s initiatives to meet its goals. Only authorized organizations can perform the testing, inspection, and approval methods. Upon approval, containers can freely move between international transport borders.
Essentially, CSC surveys ensure that your company’s international exports reach their final destinations according to schedule. Approved shipping containers go through minimal safety control formalities because the survey already established their safety according to the CSC plate.
What Is a CSC Plate?
CSC plates are valid safety approval plates fitted to shipment containers meant for international transport. Manufacturers fasten the CSC plate onto the shipping container upon production. Usually, they rivet the plate outside the container’s door, near the left side. Usually, these plates also read “CSC SAFETY APPROVAL”.
These plates contain important information, including:
- Country of Approval: Plates must show where the container received approval after passing inspection.
- Approval Reference: This piece of information displays the CSC rule numbers that prove underwent approval from relevant authorities.
- Date of Container Manufacture: Approved containers must explicitly mention the month and year they were manufactured.
- Container Identification Number: The manufacturer’s container ID number must be evident. However, the container operator’s operational number (BIC Code) or a number the administration assigns will suffice.
- Maximum Weight Capacity: How much the container can carry must be printed in kilograms and lbs. Industry experts refer to this detail as the “max net mass” or the container’s “payload.” A container’s payload determines its stacking and racking value.
CSC plates are typically included in a container’s combined data plate. This plate contains other plates relevant to international trade, such as:
- Customs Plate: This plate complies with the requirements of the Customs Convention for Containers (CCC). CCC certification allows containers to be transported under the seal of customs.
- Timber Treatment: The Timber Component Treatment Reference confirms that the container’s wooded parts have met the standard requirements of the Australian agriculture authorities.
- Owner’s Plate: This optional plate displays the container operator’s name. It also carries the operational number using a BIC code.
How Does a CSC Survey Work?
CSC surveys involve trained inspectors confirming that a shipment container meant for international export meets the listed standards. You would schedule the inspection once you purchase a CSC survey.
Upon completing the review, the inspector will pass the survey to the relevant shipping company. This stage will confirm that the shipper-owned container (SOC) meets the safety standards of a shipping container.
Since containers will be stacked on a ship, passing the safety quality checks is critical. Note that companies have better chances of a successful operation when they order containers at least a week before they pick them up for shipment.
CSC Inspection Programs
Owners of shipment containers must maintain the safety of their vessels. They are responsible for ensuring their containers undergo the necessary inspections at certain intervals. Appropriate intervals will depend on the company’s unique operating conditions.
However, the party in control of the shipment container can shoulder this responsibility for practical reasons. Contractual agreements and unique commercial practices also lend to the practical considerations that transfer responsibilities from owners to relevant parties.
The CSC offers two inspection programs:
Periodic Examination Scheme
A PES involves an in-depth analysis of a container’s safety and quality. PES is like a “check-up” that CSC recommends to owners every 30 months. This interval comes after the regular examinations that shipping containers must undergo. Every container needs examination not more than five years after getting manufactured.
Approved Continuous Examination Program
An ACEP is a more comprehensive CSC-approved program that aims to maintain the safety of a shipment container. It assesses the container and then confirms that it experienced proper examinations every time it underwent inspections or repairs at a relevant facility.
ACEP scheme numbers must be on every shipment container that operates under such a scheme. These codes usually take a decal form and are on the CSC plate. Containers that fail to display the ACEP scheme number risk not passing CSC surveys, delaying company operations.
Meanwhile, the Convention requires contracting parties to create a list of approved ACEP schemes under their authority. These lists must be publicly available, preferably under the BIC’s Global ACEP Database. This publication method is what the IMO recommends.
How Much Is a CSC Survey?
Generally, expect an average cost between $100 and $350 per CSC survey. Prices depend on your location. Some facilities charge higher fees than others because of specific factors in their area of operations. Shipping container types also factor into your final price tag.
At FILCO Shipping Containers, we have several survey methods meant for various containers. Our team is ready to discuss your needs and determine the appropriate CSC survey when buying your next shipping container. Get in touch for advice.
Order CSC Survey Now
Regardless of your industry, FILCO Shipping Containers is ready to perform the necessary investigations you need to deliver your services. Waste no time in getting a CSC survey to review your containers and ensure they maintain high-quality standards.
[Add to Cart]