584: NICHOLLS'S SEAMANSHIP AND NAUTICAL KNOWLEDGE
The master should, before signing bills of lading, see that they
are consistent with the charter-party, and that the interests of the
ship are duly protected by the insertion of such clauses as may be
necessary in respect of the nature of the goods
If the freight as per the bill of lading is less than that in the
charter-party, the master should refuse to sign them unless the
difference is made good in cash before signing This would not
apply if the charter-party states that the master "is to sign bills
of lading at any rate of freight without prejudice to the charter-
party."
After reaching the port of destination the cargo must be delivered
to the party presenting the bill of lading, duly indorsed by the
shipper. The master should retain the indorsed bill of lading.
When writing out a set of bills of lading for signature, an extra
copy is made out, but it is left unstamped and unsigned, and across
it is written " Captain's Copy." This copy is carried in the ship
for the captain's information, also to ensure that no fraudulent
alteration has been made in the signed documents, and also for
production on demand if boarded by a belligerent visiting officer.
Protective Clauses.—It is essential in dealing with the question
of shortage, pillage and damage, that the general terms of the bill
of lading is understood. A clean bill of lading is a shipowner's
agreement to deliver the package in the same good order and
condition as when received, and unless exception is taken to the
package at shipment and the bill duly claused, the ship is responsible
for any shortage or damage occurring. In loading cargo, therefore,
the officers should keep a strict watch for cargo that is not in
sufficiently sound condition to enable it to stand the stress of the
voyage and handling, and then allow it to be delivered to the
consignee intact.
Clauses can be added to the bills of lading in accordance with the
mate's receipts and are a protection in the event of claims arising.
Such clauses as frail package, renailed, unprotected, contents rattling,
skeleton cases, dented, old bags, resewn bags, ullaged, contents
leaking, rusty, stained and wet, etc., as the case may be.
The number of packages so queried should be specifically stated,
giving the marks, numbers, etc., for identification purposes,
In bills of lading issued for optional ports the destination must