English Maritime Terminology on Ship and Cargo Handling

Onboard Documents

Onboard documents are crucial for the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of merchant ships. These documents provide essential information regarding the vessel, its crew, its cargo, its voyage, and its compliance with international regulations.

Types of Onboard Documents

1. Ship’s Papers:
• Certificate of Registry: This document certifies the ship's nationality, ownership, and home port.
• International Tonnage Certificate: This certificate verifies the ship's gross and net tonnage, which is important for calculating port dues and other fees.
• Safety Management Certificate: This certificate demonstrates the ship's compliance with the International Safety Management (ISM) Code.
• Load Line Certificate: This certificate specifies the maximum load line markings on the ship's hull, ensuring safe operation in various water conditions.
• Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) Certificate: This certificate confirms the ship's compliance with the MLC, which sets minimum standards for seafarers' working and living conditions.
• Equipment Certificates: These certificates verify the condition and operational status of various shipboard equipment, such as lifeboats, fire-fighting systems, and radio equipment.
2. Cargo Documents:
• Bill of Lading (B/L): This document is a contract of carriage between the shipper and the carrier, detailing the terms of the shipment, including the quantity, description, and destination of the cargo.
• Commercial Invoice: This document provides a detailed description of the goods being shipped, including the quantity, value, and customs information.
• Packing List: This document lists the contents of each package or container, including the quantity, weight, and dimensions of the items.
• Dangerous Goods Declaration: This document is required for the carriage of dangerous goods and provides information on the classification, packaging, and labeling of the goods.
3. Voyage Documents:
• Voyage Plan: This document outlines the ship's planned route, including port calls, estimated times of arrival and departure, and fuel consumption.
• Navigation Charts: These charts provide detailed information on the ship's route, including water depths, hazards, and navigational aids.
• Nautical Publications: These publications, such as nautical almanacs and sailing directions, provide essential navigational information.
4. Crew Documents:
• Crew Certificates: These certificates verify the seafarers' qualifications and licenses.
• Medical Certificates: These certificates confirm the seafarers' fitness for duty.
• Crew Agreements: These agreements outline the terms and conditions of employment for the crew members.
5. Log Books:
• Official Log Book: This log book records important shipboard events, such as accidents, illnesses, and disciplinary actions.
• Engine Room Log Book: This log book records the performance and maintenance of the ship's engines and machinery.
• Navigation Log Book: This log book records the ship's position, course, speed, and other navigational information.

By maintaining accurate and up-to-date onboard documents, ship operators can ensure compliance with international regulations, facilitate smooth operations, and mitigate risks.