Water testing should begin by identifying the applicable flag-state, port, client or management requirement and the parameters to be analysed.
Representative sampling
Sampling points, flushing, sterile containers, preservation, temperature control and laboratory transfer all affect the reliability of results. Chain-of-custody records should identify the vessel, location, point, date, time and sampler.
Laboratory results must be interpreted against the agreed standard. A surveyor should not issue an unsupported pass or fail where no governing criterion has been identified.