FAT & SAT Survey Case Studies
Independent Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) and Site Acceptance Test (SAT) Survey and technical witnessing for marine and offshore equipment, supporting documented verification, technical review and project quality assurance before delivery, installation and commissioning.
Independent FAT & SAT Survey Case Study
PAMS Pacific Admiralty Maritime Services provides independent Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) and Site Acceptance Test (SAT) survey and witnessing services for marine, offshore and industrial equipment throughout the equipment delivery and installation cycle.
FAT activities are normally conducted at the manufacturer's or supplier's facility before delivery. SAT activities are conducted after installation at the intended vessel, offshore facility, terminal, project site or other designated operating location.
During FAT and SAT assignments, PAMS independently witnesses and observes the agreed testing activities against applicable technical requirements, approved documentation, specifications, procedures and project requirements.
The manufacturer, supplier, contractor or designated testing party remains responsible for performing the applicable tests. PAMS records the observed results, technical findings and outstanding matters in an independent survey report for the client, owner, purchaser or designated project authority.
What Are FAT & SAT?
A Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) is a controlled testing and verification process carried out at the manufacturer's or supplier's facility before equipment is released for shipment, installation or project integration.
A Site Acceptance Test (SAT) is a testing and verification process conducted after equipment has been installed at its intended site, vessel, offshore facility, terminal or project location.
FAT focuses primarily on equipment condition, functionality and performance before delivery, while SAT provides an opportunity to verify installation, interfaces, integration, functionality and operational performance under site-specific conditions.
Independent FAT and SAT surveys may be conducted as part of a project quality assurance programme to provide an additional technical record for the client, owner, purchaser or designated authority.
FAT & SAT Survey Scope
Technical Verification
Review and observation of FAT and SAT activities against applicable technical specifications, approved documentation and agreed testing requirements.
Independent Witnessing
Independent attendance during manufacturer, supplier or site testing, with observations recorded throughout the agreed FAT or SAT programme.
Functional Testing
Observation of applicable functional and operational testing performed in accordance with the approved FAT or SAT procedure.
Technical Findings
Recording of observed deficiencies, deviations, incomplete activities, installation issues or other technical matters requiring client review.
FAT & SAT Testing & Technical Verification
PAMS reviews the applicable FAT and SAT programme and observes the manufacturer's, supplier's or contractor's testing activities in accordance with the agreed scope of attendance.
Test Procedure
The applicable FAT or SAT procedure and test sequence are reviewed to establish the basis for independent witnessing.
Test Execution
PAMS observes the execution of agreed tests and records relevant technical observations and results made available during attendance.
Acceptance Criteria
Observed results are considered against the applicable acceptance criteria established by the project, specification, approved FAT/SAT documentation or other agreed technical requirements.
Installation & Integration
For SAT activities, PAMS may observe applicable installation, interface, integration and operational verification activities within the agreed survey scope.
Marine & Offshore Equipment FAT & SAT
Marine Equipment
FAT and SAT witnessing can support equipment intended for commercial vessels, ships, offshore support vessels and other marine applications.
Offshore Equipment
Independent FAT and SAT attendance may be applied to equipment intended for offshore installations, marine terminals and associated facilities.
Project Equipment
FAT and SAT surveys may be incorporated into procurement, installation and project quality assurance programmes where independent technical witnessing is required.
FAT & SAT Documentation & Technical Records
Technical Documentation
PAMS reviews the technical documentation made available for the FAT or SAT, including applicable drawings, specifications, test procedures, equipment data and agreed acceptance criteria.
FAT Test Records
FAT test results, measurements, observations and manufacturer records are reviewed against the applicable test requirements and documented as part of the independent survey report.
SAT Test Records
SAT test results, measurements, installation checks, functional observations and available site records are reviewed and documented within the agreed survey scope.
Deficiencies & Punch Items
Observed deficiencies, deviations, installation issues or outstanding items identified during FAT or SAT are recorded for client review and follow-up.
Final FAT & SAT Reporting
PAMS prepares an independent FAT or SAT survey report documenting the scope witnessed, technical observations, test results available at the time of attendance and outstanding matters requiring follow-up.
FAT & SAT Findings, Punch List & Re-Test
Where deficiencies, deviations, installation issues or incomplete testing are identified during FAT or SAT attendance, PAMS records the relevant observations for client and project follow-up.
FAT follow-up may take place before equipment release or shipment, while SAT follow-up may take place after installation and before commissioning or operational acceptance, depending on the project requirements.
Final contractual acceptance, equipment release, commissioning approval and authorization for operation remain with the client, owner, purchaser or designated authority responsible for the project.
FAT & SAT Survey Methodology
01 — Preparation
Review the agreed FAT or SAT scope, technical documentation, applicable specifications and manufacturer's, supplier's or contractor's test programme.
02 — FAT Witnessing
Attend the manufacturer's or supplier's facility and independently witness the agreed FAT activities and testing.
03 — SAT Witnessing
Attend the designated vessel, offshore facility, terminal or project site and independently witness agreed SAT activities after installation.
04 — Verification
Compare observed activities and available results with the agreed technical requirements and applicable acceptance criteria.
05 — Recording
Document relevant observations, test results, deficiencies, installation matters and outstanding items.
06 — Reporting & Follow-Up
Prepare the independent FAT or SAT survey report and, where included within the scope, support subsequent review, re-test witnessing or verification of outstanding matters.
FAT & SAT Survey Applications
Newbuilding Projects
Independent FAT and SAT witnessing can form part of equipment verification during vessel construction, installation and newbuilding projects.
Offshore Projects
FAT and SAT surveys can support offshore equipment procurement, installation, integration and project quality assurance.
Equipment Procurement
Independent FAT witnessing provides an additional technical record during supplier and manufacturer testing before delivery.
Installation Verification
SAT witnessing can provide independent technical observation of equipment installation, interfaces and agreed functional testing at the designated site.
Vessel Retrofit & Conversion
FAT and SAT activities can support equipment replacement, retrofit, modification and conversion projects where pre-delivery and post-installation verification is required.
Marine Terminals & SPM Projects
Independent FAT and SAT witnessing can support equipment and system verification associated with marine terminals, SPM facilities and offshore projects.
FAT & SAT Survey Case Study — Technical Observations
Manufacturer Test Programme
FAT activities are conducted by the manufacturer or supplier in accordance with the agreed test programme and applicable technical documentation.
Independent FAT Attendance
PAMS attends as an independent technical surveyor to witness the agreed FAT activities and record observations on behalf of the client.
Site Installation & SAT
SAT activities are conducted after installation at the designated vessel, offshore facility, terminal or project site, with PAMS independently witnessing the agreed testing activities.
Results & Measurements
Test results and measurements made available during FAT or SAT are reviewed and recorded where relevant to the agreed scope.
Non-Conformities & Outstanding Items
Relevant deficiencies, deviations, installation issues or incomplete activities observed during attendance are documented for further action.
Re-Test & Follow-Up
Where required and included within the agreed scope, PAMS can witness subsequent FAT or SAT re-testing and verify the completion of outstanding technical matters.
FAT & SAT Survey Project
The dedicated PAMS FAT & SAT Survey Project page provides additional information on the application of independent FAT and SAT witnessing and technical survey services.
FAT & SAT Survey & Acceptance Testing Article
PAMS technical content covering Factory Acceptance Testing, Site Acceptance Testing, independent FAT and SAT witnessing, technical verification and the role of independent marine technical consultancy.
FAT & SAT Survey Main Service
For the complete PAMS FAT & SAT Survey and Factory & Site Acceptance Testing service description, including the broader scope of independent technical witnessing and reporting:
Technical Reference Framework
FAT and SAT witnessing is performed against the project-specific technical requirements and documentation applicable to the equipment, installation and assignment.
- Project Specifications: Applicable project and purchaser requirements.
- Approved Documentation: Drawings, specifications, data sheets and approved FAT or SAT procedures.
- Manufacturer Procedures: Applicable manufacturer's testing and operating procedures.
- Site Testing Procedures: Applicable SAT, installation, commissioning and site testing procedures.
- Contractual Requirements: Agreed technical and contractual acceptance requirements.
The applicable reference framework depends on the equipment, project, contractual scope, installation conditions and requirements established by the client or designated authority.
FAT & SAT Survey FAQ
What is an independent FAT survey?
An independent FAT survey involves a qualified surveyor attending the manufacturer's or supplier's facility to witness agreed testing activities, record observations and report the results independently to the client or designated authority.
What is an independent SAT survey?
An independent SAT survey involves a qualified surveyor attending the designated vessel, offshore facility, terminal or project site after installation to witness agreed site testing activities, record observations and report the results independently.
What is the difference between FAT and SAT?
FAT is normally conducted at the manufacturer's or supplier's facility before delivery, while SAT is conducted after installation at the intended site, vessel, offshore facility or project location. FAT focuses on pre-delivery verification, while SAT can verify installation, interfaces, integration and site-specific operation.
Does PAMS perform the manufacturer's FAT?
No. The manufacturer or supplier performs the FAT. PAMS provides independent witnessing, technical observation and reporting within the agreed survey scope.
Does PAMS perform the contractor's SAT?
No. The responsible manufacturer, supplier, contractor or designated testing party performs the SAT. PAMS provides independent witnessing, technical observation and reporting within the agreed survey scope.
Can PAMS identify FAT or SAT deficiencies?
Yes. Relevant deficiencies, deviations, incomplete activities, installation issues and outstanding matters observed during attendance can be documented in the independent FAT or SAT survey report.
Does a PAMS FAT & SAT survey constitute equipment acceptance?
No. PAMS reports the activities witnessed and technical observations made. Contractual acceptance, release, commissioning approval or authorization remains with the client, owner, purchaser or designated authority.
Can PAMS witness FAT or SAT re-testing?
Where included within the agreed scope, PAMS can attend subsequent re-test or follow-up activities to independently witness completion of outstanding FAT or SAT matters.
Where are FAT surveys performed?
FAT surveys can be performed at manufacturer or supplier facilities, including locations associated with marine, offshore and industrial equipment projects.
Where are SAT surveys performed?
SAT surveys can be performed at the designated vessel, offshore installation, marine terminal, project site or other location where the equipment has been installed and the agreed site testing is conducted.
Independent Technical Consultancy
Technical Content Review
PAMS technical content is intended to provide practical information concerning marine surveying, technical inspection, equipment verification, FAT and SAT testing, marine assurance and related maritime technical activities.
Project-specific FAT and SAT requirements should always be confirmed against the applicable contract, specifications, approved documentation, testing procedures and instructions of the responsible client or designated authority.
Independent FAT & SAT Survey & Technical Witnessing
For independent Factory Acceptance Test and Site Acceptance Test witnessing, technical observation and survey reporting for marine and offshore equipment, contact PAMS Pacific Admiralty Maritime Services to discuss the project requirements and survey scope.
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