What Precautions Should be Taken Before Signing the Bill of Lading?

A Bill of Lading is a receipt for the goods carried on ship, or when technically put, is an evidence of contract between the shipper and the carrier. It is a documented title for the goods, signifying that the holder of the Bill of Lading is the legal owner of the goods it states. These days even on ships loading oil in bulk, the ship’s masters are required to sign the Bill of Lading ( B/L). Generally, there are separate departments looking after the cargo documentation and the authorization for cargo contracts.

However, the Master of the ship is still required to endorse the cargo carried on board for all legal proceedings. As a general rule, the Master has the authority by law to sign the Bill of Lading on behalf of the Ship Owner. Sometimes the legal jargon mentioned on the Bill of lading can be unclear and confusing. It is therefore, essential that the Master of the ship who is the owner’s representative should thoroughly go through and if required be advised systematically before signing the bill of lading.

Following are the points that must be considered before signing the bill of lading:

The Shipper’s Identity

The shipper is at a contract with the carrier which means that any information provided by the shipper if untrue could make the carrier liable. The shipper has to indemnify the carrier and may also have to back freight in this respect.

Bill of Lading

Therefore it is essential that the name, identity and addresses are clearly mentioned on the Bill of Lading.

Port and Date of Loading

The date of loading should coincide with the date as stated in the Mates’ receipt. This provides an indication of the origin of goods and is at times crucial to determine the customs duty structure or permissibility of the goods into a country.

Port of Discharge

Unless the charter party for a port to be nominated after the vessel sails to avoid deviation charges, the ship must precede with all dispatch to the port of discharge as said. The master must ensure that this falls within the charter party limits.

Condition of the Goods

Confirm that the goods have indeed actually or physically been shipped on board the ship. Check accordingly that an accurate description of the goods is present on the Bill of lading, whether any short-loading or dead-freights are correctly mentioned. Ensure that all of the conditions must be in lieu with the Mates’ receipt and the Bill may have a clause to reflect the actual condition of the goods.

Quantity and Description of Cargo Loaded

Prior to endorsing the Bill of lading, the master should ensure that the quantity and description of the goods is true to its correct value of that loaded on board. This can be done by counter-checking the Mates’ receipt along with the other cargo documents.

Freight

Ensure that the Bill of Lading is not marked “Freight Paid” or “Freight Prepaid”, as in certain cases, if not true. The master must confirm and verify the factual position of the freight with the ship owner or shipper.

It is also recommended to get a written confirmation from either of the two.

Conflicting terms

No clause of the Bill of Lading should ever conflict with that of the charter party terms. If the Bill has to be claused as per the charter party terms then such references must be clear and unambiguous

Finally, check to see whether the number of original Bill of ladings are in the set provided as stated.

Do you know any other important points that must be considered before signing the bill of lading?

 

Do you have info to share with us ? Suggest a correction

About Author

Bikram Pal Singh – is a professional mariner and blogger. He has sailed extensively serving on various Oil tankers and Offshore Vessels. Currently a Chief Officer, he enjoys reading and compiling notes about critical shipboard operations and crew psychology. When not sailing, he loves backpacking, is an ardent adventurer and a certified diver.

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