Q88,Chartering Questionnaire 88, is an industry standard for chartering questionnaires for tanker information used for commercial vetting purposes since it was first issued in 1988. Developed with the purpose of increasing safety standards and assessing a ship's suitability as part of a robust tanker vetting program.

To trace a vessel using a Q88 file, you can follow these steps:

1. Understand the Q88 File

A Q88 file typically contains detailed information about a vessel, including its dimensions, equipment, certifications, and operations, used mainly in the shipping industry. It might also include the IMO number or Call Sign, which can help you track the vessel.

2. Identify Key Information

To trace a vessel, look for specific pieces of data in the Q88 file:

• IMO Number (International Maritime Organization Number): A unique identifier for ships.

• MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) Number: Another unique identifier for radio communications.

• Vessel Name.

• Call Sign.

3. Use a Ship Tracking Website

Once you have the vessel’s IMO number or any other relevant identifier, you can trace it on ship tracking platforms. Some of the popular websites include:

• MarineTraffic: www.marinetraffic.com

• VesselFinder: www.vesselfinder.com

• FleetMon: www.fleetmon.com

4. Enter Vessel Details

On the ship tracking website, enter the vessel’s IMO number, MMSI, or name in the search bar. The system should provide the current location, recent movements, and other tracking data.

5. Check Historical Data

If you're interested in past movements, some platforms offer historical tracking data for vessels. You may need to register or subscribe for advanced features.

If you're still having trouble tracing the vessel, I can help you examine the Q88 file for the needed information.