Bills of Lading

Introduction

Quick Reference

Practical Guidance

Theory

Legal Notes

Appendices

Index

Bills of lading are one of the most important yet least understood documents involved in the international carriage of goods by sea. This guidebook aims to assist ship's officers, operators and managers fully understand the legal implications of bills of lading and the problems and practical issues surrounding their everyday use. The guide works on various levels, with a practical guidance section supplemented by a theory section and footnotes to show the legal foundation of the advice given. Copies of the various international conventions are included together with an annotated and fully explained copy of the BIMCO Congenbill and the latest set of recommended standard letters.

In this Second Edition the practical section has been extended to cover particular situations raised by readers; the theory section now includes discussion on delivery orders, split and switch bills of lading, the occasional confusion between waybills and straight bills and the need for extra care when clausing; and the legal section has been fully reviewed and updated.