Ship's Documents

The most popular documents in tanker shipping are: 1. Ullage report (example:Ullage Report) 2. ROB / OBQ (example:OBQ Report) 3. Certificate of slop (if any) 4. Pumping, Rate Log (evidence of any case of demmurrage / performance of ship) 5. Time Sheet. 6. Deadfreight Statement (example:Deadfreight Statement) 7. VEF (example:Vessel Experience Factor) 8. Notice of Readiness. 9. Bill of Loading. 10. Letter of Protest. Ad.1. Ullage Report is prepared for each grade of carge separately. If there is more than one grade loaded / discharged to the same tank, Ullage Report to be prepared prior commence loading another grade. In case two or more loading / discharging ports, Report to be prepared before and after operation. Ullage Report shall be signed by chief mate and surveyor. Ad.2.ROB (Rest On Board) or OBQ (On Board Quantity) shall be prepared as evidence of cargo tanks condition after discharging (ROB) or before loading (OBQ). This is to certify that amount of residues found in tanks by surveyor is "unpumpable". In case of liquid cargo in tanks, to obtain amount of cargo in tank the Wedge Formula to be used (see example file). When sludge is found, it is rule of thumb to threat it as "the residues even cover tank bottom" so Tank Calibration Table shall be used. Ad.6. Deadfreight Statement is often required to prove that in any reason (draft restriction, voyage orders etc) the less amount of cargo was loaded than vessel is capable for. Ad.7. Vessel Experience Factor is a mathematical number, obtained from series of cargo operation, reflects difference between NOR cargo figure and figure calculated on vessel. It is used to compare of scope of difference between shore and vessel calculations. Ad.8. Notice of Readiness is used to fixed the vessel against laycans (see Voyage Orders) or to define moment when the vessel is "on demmurrage". NOR is tendered upon arrival. In tanker shipping it is usually at Pilot Station or when at anchor. It is to certify that vessel is ready for loading / to discharge the cargo. Anyway, clear clarification from charterer when to tender NOR should be obtained. In practice, many Captains tender NOR the same time os EOSP. NOR is irrespective of whether free prqtique is granted. Acceptance of tendered NOR by terminal is a different story (usually NOR is accepted the same time as all fast). In case of refusal of NOR, charterer / owner must be informed. Ad.9. Bill of Loading is signed by Master. Main functions are: a) receipt of goods; b) evidence of the contract of carriage; c) document of title. B/L is prepared by agent on behalf of shipper / supplier. This document informs how much cargo is (agreed) loaded on board. In case of B/L and ship calculations difference up to 0.5% - prepare Letter of Protest; difference 0.5-1% - order reullage and prepare Letter of Protest; in case of difference more than 1% (after reullage) - infor charterer / owner immediately. Ad.10. Letter of Protest is usually prepared in case of: difference in cargo quantity, cargo contamination, delays, special terminal requirements, loading rate, signifficant difference in API/temp given and real, nomination not supply etc. If Letter of Protest is given by terminal, Master shall sign it as "for receipt only".