Preventing a loss is always better than handling a claim
The Shipowners’ P&I Club has issued bulletin to give advice to surveyors as to when steel pre-shipment surveys are to be undertaken.
Vessel owners have an obligation to cargo owners to deliver cargo in the same condition as when it was loaded. However, finished steel products are susceptible to physical damage and rusting which can occur prior to shipment.
Even relatively minor damage to steel products can lead to extensive claims being pursued against a vessel owner which may well have occured prior to loading. In order to defend claims, and for the Club to be able to best protect Members’ interests, the importance of accurately claused bills of lading is therefore essential.
Preventing a loss is always better than handling a claim and the steel pre-shipment inspection is one of the best loss prevention measures that Members can take with regard to cargo care. Experienced surveyors know what to look for and where to look for it.
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Products (hot rolled) that should be subjected to a preshipment survey include:
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Products not routinely requiring a pre-shipment survey include:
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Additionally, it is usual when carrying out the pre-shipment survey that the appointed surveyor will also:
- Inspect the vessel’s hatchcovers to ensure weathertight integrity
- Advise the Master on, and monitoring of, loading and stowage.
Source: The Shipowners P&I Club
