The Mate’s Receipt :
This is a receipt signed by the mate of a ship for cargo that is loaded on board. It contains details of goods to be shipped and should be available to the mate before loading starts. He can then use
them :
1. As a pre-advice of what to expect.
2. To plan the stowage of the cargo
3. To note on them any defects in the condition of the cargo, shortages or other pertinent comments regarding quantities, marks and description of the goods.
It is necessary that the mate’s receipt reflects the condition of the cargo accurately, to prevent claims against the ship arising at the discharge port as comments on the mate’s receipt appear on the relevant Bill of Lading.
The Bill of Lading:
The bill of lading performs three main functions:
1. It is a receipt for the cargo signed by the master or agent on behalf of the shipowner.
2. It is a document of title to the cargo. The holder of the bill of lading is the owner of the cargo and it is a negotiable document, which means that the cargo can be sold just by signing and transferring the bill of lading in the name of the new buyer.
3. It is evidence of a contract between the shipowner and shipper, governing the terms and conditions of carriage.
The information in a bill of lading includes name and address of the shipper and consignee, ports of loading and destination, marks, description and weight or volume of the cargo, number of originals and copies, freight paid or payable, date of loading and name of the ship. The reverse side of the bill of lading contains the terms and conditions of carriage.
The Cargo Manifest :
The cargo manifest is a list of all cargo on the ship at any time. It is prepared for customs purposes primarily but comes in useful for several other purposes such as tallying of cargo, checking against over carriage and for ticking off the cargoes whose bills of lading have been sighted.
Besides the names of items of cargo, it contains the weight, quantity or number of packages and the compartment loaded in. When dangerous cargo is loaded a separate manifest for the same has to be prepared.
