Maritime Law Maritime Contracts and Charter Parties 2

Question 1

A bill of lading issued under a charter party serves primarily as:

Accepted Answer

A receipt for cargo and document of title

Answer

The actual contract of carriage between owner and charterer

Answer

A certificate of seaworthiness

Answer

A customs entry document

Question 2

The Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA, 46 U.S.C. § 30701) applies by default to international cargo shipments:

Accepted Answer

From or to U.S. ports under bills of lading

Answer

Under all charter parties involving U.S. vessels

Answer

To domestic coastwise trade only

Answer

Only if the cargo value exceeds $500 per package

Question 3

Under COGSA, the carrier's liability for loss or damage is limited to:

Accepted Answer

$500 per package or customary freight unit

Answer

$1,000 per package

Answer

Actual market value of the cargo at destination

Answer

$250 per kilogram

Question 4

Which clause in a charter party or bill of lading requires disputes to be resolved in a specific jurisdiction or by arbitration?

Accepted Answer

Paramount clause

Answer

Himalaya clause

Answer

Jason clause

Answer

Cesser clause

Question 5

The 'Himalaya clause' in a bill of lading extends carrier defenses and liability limits to:

Accepted Answer

Servants, agents, and sub-contractors of the carrier

Answer

Port authorities and terminal operators only

Answer

The vessel's P&I Club insurer

Answer

All third parties with an interest in the cargo

Question 6

Under a voyage charter, 'dispatch' money is paid by:

Accepted Answer

The shipowner to the charterer for completing cargo operations faster than laytime

Answer

The charterer to the owner for arriving early at the load port

Answer

The port authority to the vessel for priority berthing

Answer

The cargo insurer for expedited claims settlement