🔍 Key Concepts

• Bill of Lading as a receipt and representation of cargo condition • Master’s responsibility and liability for statements of fact on cargo documents • Legal meaning and risk of signing a Clean Bill of Lading and the role of a Letter of Indemnity (LOI)

💭 Think About

• If you know the cargo is contaminated, what does a ‘Clean Bill of Lading’ legally state about the cargo? • Who bears the legal and financial risk if the Bill of Lading’s description of the cargo is untrue, even if you have a Letter of Indemnity? • Which option best protects the Master and the vessel from future claims, while remaining truthful about the cargo’s actual condition?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify what a Clean Bill of Lading implies about the apparent order and condition of the goods at loading. • Consider whether a Letter of Indemnity can legally protect you if you knowingly sign a false document. • Check which option allows you to remain truthful about the cargo’s contamination and still comply with your duties as Master.