These guidelines specify procedures for determining that the cargo tanks and associated cargo-handling system of marine vessels are in a suitably clean condition to receive the intended cargo. This applies to the loading of crude oil, petroleum products, and petrochemical cargoes. The extent of pre-loading inspection will vary depending on the nature of the cargo to be loaded. These guidelines recommend the extent of inspection that should be instituted for certain general types of cargoes and an example of a format that may be used for reporting the findings of tank inspections. Because of the wide variety of conditions that may exist when performing pre-loading tank inspections, this guideline is not intended to restrict the judgment of the person performing the inspection.