2.11.4.1 GENERAL
The bill of lading is a valuable legal document with three very important
functions
it is a document of title
it is evidence of the contract of carriage between the Company and the
cargo interests
it is a receipt for the goods loaded.
It is therefore extremely important when signing the bill of lading to ensure
that the information inserted into the blank bill of lading form is accurate.
If the information is inaccurate or false this has serious consequences for
the Company
the Company may be exposed to possible claims from cargo interests, especially
where the bill of lading has been endorsed to a third party consignee. Should
the bill be negotiated whilst the vessel is proceeding to her discharge port,
an innocent buyer will not be aware of the actual condition or quantity of the
cargo. The details in the bill of lading are therefore considered to be conclusive
evidence of the condition and quantity of the goods when shipped. The Company
will therefore be unable to defend any claim if the actual condition or quantity
of the cargo is not in accordance with that stated in the bill of lading
the P&I cover may be affected as P&I Rules exclude cover for claims
in certain circumstances where the information in the bill of lading is found
to be incorrect.
Particular attention should be paid to the following
the description of the apparent order, condition and quantity of the
cargo
the date of issue of the bill of lading.