Q88
Meaning
The Q88 is the standard tanker questionnaire listing a ship's particulars (dimensions, tanks, pumps, certificates and more) that charterers check before fixing.
Also written as Q88 questionnaire, Ship particulars, OCIMF questionnaire
Q88 explained
Owners keep each ship's Q88 up to date and send it with offers. Charterers and terminals use it to check the ship fits the cargo, ports and berths, and to start vetting.
Information in the Q88 is often treated as warranted in the recap, so mistakes can lead to claims.
Related terms
Vetting
Vetting is an oil company's or charterer's risk assessment of a tanker, using inspection reports and history, before agreeing to charter it or accept it at a terminal.
LOA
LOA (length overall) is the ship's maximum length from bow to stern, checked against berth and lock limits.
Deadweight
Deadweight (DWT) is the total weight a ship can carry, cargo plus fuel, water, stores and crew, at its maximum permitted draft, in tonnes.
Draft
Draft (or draught) is the depth of the ship below the waterline. It limits which ports, berths and canals a laden tanker can use.