FAT & SAT Survey & Factory & Site Acceptance Testing
PAMS Pacific Admiralty Maritime Services provides independent FAT and SAT Survey support for marine, offshore and industrial equipment, providing technical witnessing, verification, documentation review and evidence-based reporting before equipment is released for delivery, installation, commissioning or operational acceptance.
Independent FAT & SAT Survey
A Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) is conducted at the manufacturer's or supplier's facility before equipment is delivered to the vessel, shipyard, offshore installation or project location. PAMS provides independent technical witnessing and survey support during agreed FAT activities.
A Site Acceptance Test (SAT) is conducted after equipment has been delivered and installed at its intended site, vessel, offshore facility, terminal or project location. PAMS provides independent technical witnessing and verification support for agreed SAT activities, including installation, integration, functionality and operational testing.
The purpose of an independent FAT & SAT Survey is to verify that equipment and systems are consistent with the agreed technical specifications, approved documentation, contractual test requirements and applicable technical standards within the defined inspection and testing scope.
What Are FAT & SAT?
Factory Acceptance Testing
FAT provides an opportunity to examine and test equipment at the manufacturer's or supplier's facility before shipment, installation or commissioning at its final operational location.
Site Acceptance Testing
SAT provides an opportunity to verify equipment after installation at the intended site, including applicable functionality, integration, interfaces and operational performance.
Technical Specification
FAT and SAT activities may be conducted against approved drawings, specifications, purchase requirements, technical schedules and agreed test procedures.
Functional Testing
Where included in the agreed scope, equipment functions, controls, alarms, trips, interfaces and operating sequences may be witnessed and documented.
Performance Verification
Applicable performance or operational test results can be witnessed and compared with specified acceptance criteria and test parameters.
Independent Reporting
PAMS records the FAT and SAT activities, observations, test results, outstanding matters and agreed corrective actions in an independent technical survey report.
FAT & SAT Survey Scope
The exact FAT & SAT Survey scope is established before attendance and depends on the equipment, project specifications, approved documentation, contractual requirements, applicable standards and the client's technical objectives.
Technical Documentation Review
Review of applicable specifications, approved drawings, datasheets, FAT and SAT procedures, inspection and test plans, certificates and other technical documentation made available for the assignment.
Equipment Identification
Verification of equipment identification, serial numbers, nameplates, configuration and other relevant details against the available technical documentation.
Visual & Workmanship Assessment
Visual examination of workmanship, assembly, general condition, accessibility, connections, markings and other observable characteristics within the agreed scope.
Functional Testing
Independent witnessing of agreed functional tests and operating sequences, including applicable control functions, alarms and trips.
Instrumentation & Controls
Verification of relevant instrumentation, control arrangements, indication, alarm functions, interlocks and interfaces where included in the approved FAT or SAT procedure.
Performance Testing
Witnessing of specified performance tests and recording of measured results against the agreed test parameters and acceptance criteria.
Load & Operational Testing
Where applicable, PAMS may witness specified load, operational or simulated operating tests conducted by the manufacturer, supplier, contractor or commissioning team.
Interfaces & Integration
Review or witnessing of applicable mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and control interfaces relevant to the equipment's intended installation or operation.
FAT & SAT Testing & Technical Verification
FAT and SAT activities can involve several forms of technical verification depending on the equipment, installation and approved test procedure. PAMS focuses on independent witnessing, objective recording and technical evidence rather than performing the manufacturer's, contractor's or commissioning team's tests.
Visual Verification
Examination of equipment condition, assembly, workmanship, identification, markings, connections and visible components.
Dimensional Verification
Where required by the agreed scope, dimensions and relevant physical characteristics may be checked against approved drawings or specifications.
Functional Verification
Witnessing of equipment operation, control functions, sequences, alarms, trips and interlocks included in the FAT or SAT procedure.
Electrical & Instrumentation
Review of relevant electrical and instrumentation test results, calibration information, indications, controls and protection functions within the agreed scope.
Performance Verification
Recording and technical comparison of specified performance parameters and measured test results where applicable.
Documentation Verification
Review of available FAT and SAT records, certificates, calibration documentation, test sheets and other agreed technical evidence.
Marine & Offshore Equipment FAT & SAT
PAMS FAT & SAT Survey support can be applied to equipment used on ships, offshore installations, shipyards, terminals and specialized marine projects. The technical scope is adapted to the equipment, installation and intended application.
Marine Machinery & Systems
FAT and SAT witnessing and technical verification for applicable machinery, auxiliary systems, pumps, mechanical equipment and associated control systems.
Lifting Appliances & Equipment
Independent witnessing and technical verification support for applicable lifting appliances, lifting equipment, winches and associated systems.
Electrical & Control Systems
FAT and SAT witnessing for applicable electrical equipment, control panels, automation systems, instrumentation and associated interfaces.
Navigation & Communication Equipment
Technical FAT and SAT support for applicable navigation, communication, radio and GMDSS-related equipment where factory or site testing is required.
Offshore Equipment
Technical witnessing and verification for equipment incorporated into FPSO, offshore and specialized marine projects.
SPM & Terminal Equipment
FAT and SAT support for applicable equipment associated with Single Point Mooring systems, marine terminals and offshore loading operations.
FAT & SAT Documentation & Technical Records
Technical documentation is an important part of FAT and SAT verification. Depending on the assignment, PAMS may review the documents necessary to establish traceability between the equipment, approved requirements, installation and witnessed test results.
| Document / Record | Technical Relevance |
|---|---|
| Approved Specifications | Establishes the technical requirements against which the equipment and FAT/SAT activities may be assessed. |
| Approved Drawings | Provides technical reference for configuration, dimensions, interfaces and equipment arrangement. |
| FAT Procedure | Defines the planned factory testing sequence, test parameters, responsibilities and applicable acceptance criteria. |
| SAT Procedure | Defines the planned site testing sequence, installation checks, functional tests, interfaces and applicable acceptance criteria. |
| Inspection & Test Plan | Provides the agreed inspection and testing framework and relevant witnessing points. |
| Calibration Records | Supports traceability of measuring and test equipment used during applicable FAT and SAT activities. |
| Material & Equipment Certificates | Provides documentary evidence relevant to specified equipment, components or materials where required. |
| FAT / SAT Test Records | Records measured results, observed performance and test outcomes for the activities witnessed. |
| Punch List / Outstanding Items | Identifies deficiencies, incomplete matters and agreed corrective actions requiring follow-up. |
FAT & SAT Findings, Punch List & Re-Test
Where deficiencies, deviations or incomplete items are identified during the FAT or SAT, PAMS records the relevant observations and supporting technical evidence within the agreed reporting scope.
Technical Findings
Observed deviations, test anomalies, documentation gaps or other technical matters are recorded clearly and linked to the applicable requirement where possible.
Punch List
Outstanding items can be documented to support follow-up between the manufacturer, supplier, contractor, client, shipyard or project team.
Corrective Actions
Where requested, PAMS can document agreed corrective actions and outstanding technical matters requiring resolution before the next project stage.
Re-Test Witnessing
Where a re-test is required and separately arranged, PAMS may return to witness specified corrective-action testing and document the resulting status.
FAT & SAT Survey Methodology
1. Scope
Establish the equipment, manufacturer or test location, inspection objective, applicable documents, FAT/SAT procedures and agreed witnessing scope.
2. Review
Review available technical specifications, drawings, procedures, inspection and test plans and other relevant documentation before or during the FAT or SAT assignment.
3. Witness
Attend the FAT and/or SAT and independently witness the agreed inspections, functional tests, performance tests, installation checks and other specified activities.
4. Report
Record observations, test results, documentary evidence, deviations, outstanding items and agreed follow-up actions in the technical survey report.
FAT & SAT Survey Applications
Newbuilding Projects
FAT and SAT support during shipbuilding and newbuilding projects to provide independent technical witnessing before equipment is delivered, installed and commissioned.
Vessel Retrofit & Conversion
FAT and SAT support for equipment being supplied and installed as part of vessel modification, retrofit, conversion or upgrade projects.
FPSO & Offshore Projects
Independent FAT and SAT witnessing for equipment associated with FPSO, offshore engineering and specialized marine projects.
SPM & Marine Terminals
Technical FAT and SAT support for applicable equipment associated with Single Point Mooring systems, terminals and offshore loading infrastructure.
Procurement Verification
Independent technical witnessing can provide additional evidence for owners, purchasers and project teams before equipment shipment and final installation.
Supplier & Installation Verification
FAT and SAT attendance can support independent monitoring of agreed technical requirements during supplier testing, installation and site acceptance activities.
FAT & SAT Survey Case Study
PAMS provides technical case-study references demonstrating the application of independent FAT and SAT Survey, acceptance testing, equipment verification and technical reporting to marine, offshore and equipment-related assignments.
FAT & SAT Survey Case Study
Technical case study covering independent Factory and Site Acceptance Test Survey activities, including technical witnessing, verification and reporting within the agreed project scope.
View FAT & SAT Survey Case Study →FAT & SAT Survey Project
FAT and SAT Survey work can form part of wider marine technical engineering, procurement, newbuilding, offshore or specialized equipment projects.
FAT & SAT Survey Project
Project reference for independent FAT and SAT Survey, Factory and Site Acceptance Testing support within a marine technical engineering assignment.
View FAT & SAT Survey Project →FAT & SAT Survey & Factory Acceptance Testing Article
PAMS technical articles provide additional information on factory acceptance testing, site acceptance testing, independent technical witnessing, equipment verification and marine engineering applications.
FAT & SAT Survey, Factory & Site Acceptance Testing
Technical article discussing Factory Acceptance Testing, Site Acceptance Testing, acceptance considerations and evaluation testing within a technical inspection and engineering context.
Read FAT & SAT Survey Article →Related PAMS Technical Services
FAT and SAT Survey assignments may connect with wider marine surveying, marine engineering, offshore engineering, lifting equipment, SPM and radio survey requirements depending on the equipment and project.
Marine Consultants
Independent marine technical consultancy, surveying, inspection, engineering and regulatory compliance support for vessels and maritime projects.
Marine Consultants →Off Shore Engineering Support
Marine and offshore engineering support for FPSO and specialized offshore projects where equipment verification and technical engineering are required.
Off Shore Engineering Support →Lifting Appliance's Equipment's
Technical inspection, testing and certification support for applicable lifting appliances and associated equipment.
Lifting Appliance's Equipment's →SPM Engineering Support
Technical consultancy and engineering support for Single Point Mooring systems and associated offshore marine equipment.
SPM Engineering Support →Radio Survey & GMDSS
Independent radio survey and GMDSS inspection support for applicable marine communication and safety equipment.
Radio Survey & GMDSS →Technical Reference Framework
FAT and SAT requirements depend on the equipment, vessel or project, approved specifications, contractual requirements, applicable classification or statutory requirements, manufacturer or contractor procedures and the technical standards identified for the assignment.
FAT & SAT Survey FAQ
What is a FAT Survey?
A FAT Survey is an independent technical witnessing and inspection activity conducted during a Factory Acceptance Test at a manufacturer's or supplier's facility before equipment is delivered to its intended installation or operational location.
What is a SAT Survey?
A SAT Survey is an independent technical witnessing and verification activity conducted during Site Acceptance Testing after equipment has been delivered and installed at its intended vessel, facility, offshore, terminal or project location.
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. FAT focuses primarily on pre-delivery equipment verification and testing, while SAT can additionally address installation, integration, interfaces and operational functionality at the final location.
What is the purpose of Factory Acceptance Testing?
Factory Acceptance Testing provides an opportunity to verify agreed equipment requirements, functions, performance parameters and documentation before shipment, installation or commissioning.
What is the purpose of Site Acceptance Testing?
Site Acceptance Testing provides an opportunity to verify that installed equipment or systems operate and integrate as intended within the agreed test scope before final project acceptance or operational use.
Can PAMS witness a Factory Acceptance Test?
Yes. PAMS can provide independent technical witnessing of agreed FAT activities, including applicable inspections, functional tests, performance tests, documentation review and recording of findings.
Can PAMS witness a Site Acceptance Test?
Yes. PAMS can provide independent technical witnessing of agreed SAT activities, including installation verification, functional testing, system interfaces, operational testing and documentation review within the agreed scope.
Does PAMS perform the manufacturer's FAT or contractor's SAT?
No. The manufacturer, supplier, contractor or commissioning team conducts the FAT or SAT in accordance with the agreed procedure. PAMS provides independent witnessing, technical observation, verification and reporting within the agreed scope.
Can PAMS verify FAT and SAT test results?
PAMS can independently witness applicable tests and record observed test results against the agreed test procedure, technical specifications and acceptance criteria within the assignment scope.
Does a PAMS FAT & SAT Survey provide contractual acceptance?
No. PAMS provides independent technical survey and reporting. Contractual acceptance, release for shipment, commissioning approval or project acceptance remains the responsibility of the client, purchaser, owner or designated authority.
Can PAMS attend FAT or SAT re-tests?
Yes. Where separately arranged, PAMS may attend specified re-tests to witness corrective-action testing and document the resulting status of previously identified technical matters.
What types of equipment can be covered by FAT & SAT Survey?
Depending on the assignment, FAT and SAT Survey support may cover marine machinery, lifting equipment, electrical and control systems, instrumentation, navigation and communication equipment, offshore equipment, SPM-related equipment and other specialized marine or project equipment.
Independent Technical Consultancy
Independent Consultancy
PAMS Pacific Admiralty Maritime Services is an independent Philippine technical consultancy providing marine surveying, marine engineering, offshore engineering and maritime regulatory compliance services.
Marine Class Surveyor
PAMS provides marine surveying and technical inspection services supported by professional marine surveying and engineering experience.
ISM-ISPS-MLC Auditing
Technical auditing and compliance assessment support covering applicable ISM, ISPS and MLC requirements.
Technical Evidence
FAT and SAT findings and observations are based on witnessed test activities, physical observations, available technical documentation, measured results and the applicable requirements relevant to each assignment.
Technical Content Review
Last Technical Review
September 2026
Review Frequency
Content is reviewed periodically to maintain alignment with applicable maritime regulatory requirements, technical standards, marine engineering developments and FAT/SAT practices.
Need an Independent FAT & SAT Survey?
Contact PAMS Pacific Admiralty Maritime Services to discuss independent Factory and Site Acceptance Test witnessing, equipment verification, installation and integration checks, technical documentation review, FAT/SAT reporting or marine and offshore engineering requirements.
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