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2.11 Cargo Ships and Cargo Operations

Gard Guidance Masters

2.11.1 CARGO – GENERAL ADVICE

Amongst the many risks for which the Company has taken out insurance, the risks involved in the carriage of cargo frequently produces the most costly claims, such as
  • physical damage, whether during loading and stowage, en route or during discharge
  • damage by wetting or moisture
  • contamination by other sources, especially liquid and liquefied cargoes
  • shortage, misdelivery or overcarriage
  • loss of cargo overboard.



    Not every type of cargo or type of cargo carrying vessel can be considered, however, the following remarks will assist the Master in
  • making his/her vessel cargoworthy, thereby minimising the risk of damage and claims by third parties
  • properly supervising the loading
  • correctly signing bills of lading
  • carefully transporting the cargo
  • properly discharging and delivering the cargo.

    The Master and his/her officers should be aware that cargoworthiness forms part of seaworthiness. A vessel which is not cargoworthy, is not seaworthy!

    The fundamental obligations to exercise due diligence to make the vessel seaworthy and to properly load, stow, carry and deliver the cargo at its destination are laid down in the Hague Rules 1924 Article 3.1, please see section 2.1.1 Seaworthiness – Safety – Security. The Master should be guided by these principles at all times.