Unit 2: Basic Aspects of cargo ops.
2.1 Importance of cargo care to economical operation of ships and
care of cargo on-board ships:
A ship’s earning capacity is governed not only by its cargo carrying
capacity but also by its ability to deliver the cargo carried, in a safe and
undamaged condition.
Ship-owners and, therefore, ships’ crew and personnel are legally bound
to look after any cargo/passengers according to the Hague-Visby Rules.
Rules related to the contract of carriage are the Hague Visby rules. The
first convention that was related to this issue was the Hague rules. These
underwent amendments several times until 2009 when the Rotterdam
rules were developed.
Under these rules, the carrier’s main duties are to “properly and carefully
load, handle stow, carry, keep, care for and discharge the goods carried”.
“Any deviation in saving or attempting to save life or property at sea or a
reasonable deviation shall not be deemed to be an infringement or breach
of these rules”
By contrast the shipper also has some obligations such as to pay the
freight, to pack the goods sufficiently for the voyage, to describe the
goods and not to load dangerous cargo unless agreed by both parties.
Keeping in view the requirement it is imperative that the ship officer has a
duty to properly prepare the holds to receive cargo, load, handle, stow,
carry and discharge cargo in a similar condition to which it was loaded.
As the condition of the cargo when it was loaded is stipulated on the Bill
of Lading, any discrepancy at discharging would give rise to disputes.
As a prelude to the Bill of lading a Mates receipt is issued for receipt of
cargo.
Bill of Lading: Is a legal document between the shipper of goods and the
carrier (the ship) detailing the type, quantity and destination of the
goods. It also serves as a receipt of shipment.
There is no doubt that, should there be a discrepancy, then the vessel
would be at fault for not exercising its duty of care thus resulting in
lengthy and costly legal procedures.
Some shippers or consignees may ask to see records pertaining to cargo
care. These records could be used by the carrier in the event of any
dispute as to the way the cargo was looked after.
Cargo claims are easily reduced when ship’s officers and crew engage in
proper care of the cargo that they are carrying.
From the point of safety, any damage to any cargo may lead to the loss of
the vessel, thus endangering the lives of those on board.
The carriage of coal, for example, requires surface ventilation.
Noncompliance with this requirement could lead to a coal fire in the
compartment.
Keeping in view all that has been mentioned above, for a ships voyage to
be profitable to the ship owner, a collective set of actions or procedures
are required to be carried out by the ships staff. Of these,
Cargo care takes highest priority as the entire shipping business, safety
of the vessel and crew and reputation of the carrier depends on safe
delivery of cargo to the cargo owner.
