Answer
Definition
A Bareboat (Demise) Charter is an agreement where the shipowner provides the vessel to the charterer without crew, stores, fuel, or provisions. The charterer assumes complete operational, technical, legal, and crewing responsibility (disponent owner).
Advantages for the Charterer
- Full Operational & Technical Control: Ability to deploy own crew, maintain operating standards, and manage routing.
- Financial Advantage: Lower daily charter rate compared to a Time Charter (OPEX is managed directly).
- Fleet Expansion: Increases transport capacity without large capital expenditure (CAPEX) to buy vessels outright.
Chief Engineer's Handover Checklist (Representing the Owner)
This part is very important. Your purpose is to establish the Exact condition of vessel at the instant of delivery because years later, at redelivery, the owner must be able to establish whether deterioration or damage occurred during the bareboat period.
Inspection Category | Key Verification Items |
|---|---|
Bunker & Fluid Joint Survey | Precise soundings of all ROBs: VLSFO, LSMGO, Lubricating Oils (Main Engine, Auxiliary Engine, Hydraulic, System Oils), cargo/fuel gas. Retain signed joint survey logs. |
Machinery Condition & Records | Main Engine crankshaft deflections, alignment records, scavenge port inspection logs, liner wear, clearance logs, turbocharger service history. |
Class & Statutory Audits | Status of all Class survey items, pending recommendations, machinery historical PMS logs, Oil Record Book (Part I & II) verification. |
Electrical & Safety Equipment | Generator load test records, Main Switchboard insulation resistance (Megger) logs, emergency generator & emergency fire pump function tests. |
Environmental Safeguards | Calibration certificates and seals for 15 ppm OWS alarm, Sewage Treatment Plant condition, Incinerator operation. |
Critical Spares Inventory | Physical verification against Class minimum spare requirements (pistons, liners, cylinder heads, fuel pumps, specialized maintenance tools). |
Oil Analysis Reports | Recent tribology/lube oil test reports for ME, AE, stern tube, and steering gear systems. |