Dealing with damaged cargo

At the beginning of the new business week, we continue our talk on dealing with the damaged goods.

If it is clearly recognized that the cargo is damaged, and given that the charter party requires clean bills of lading, any cargo which is not in apparent good order and condition must be rejected by the Master. The shipper must provide a replacement in this case (otherwise clean bills of lading must not be issued ). Captain informs the shippers and demands for a confirmation in writing that the bills of lading will be claused, unless the damaged are replaced with good. If the shipper does not accept claused bills of lading, and is not providing a replacement of goods, the Master should issue a protest in writing stating that he is at liberty to reject the cargo. If there is no effect, the Master stops loading operations, if partial cargo have already been loaded, the Master takes steps to discharge the cargo, if such means of discharge are available. However, the Master should not give formal rejection without appoval from his company, as such step may result is cancellation of the charter party.

The damage to goods may be caused by stevedores at time of loading. The Master should request for replacement of such, and should protest against stevedores describing the damage.

Broken container seals are dealt similar to damaged cargo. The shipper should replace such seal with a new one. If the shipper refuses to replace the seal, the Master should protest in writing, replace the seal and clause the Mate's receipts. The Captain should also examine the contents of container for apparent good order and condition of goods inside. The damages to the goods inside are treated the same way as have been described.