Recently we have received some steel cargo damage claims which are water sensitive and of high value, but failing to arrange steel preloading survey at the loading port. We would like to advise your good company that it is mandatory, and is a P&I Club policy to conduct a steel preloading survey at the loading port which includes a cargo condition survey as well as inspection on vessel’s hatches, in order to protect Members’ interests. The Mate’s receipts and the bills of lading should be claused accordingly in direct reflection of the cargo condition remarked by the surveyor. And the hatch cover inspection could assist the member to rectify any defects found prior to the voyage; if no defects are found, the report is good evidence to show the hatch covers are weather-tight and seaworthy to defend potential cargo claims.
Generally, failing to arrange a preloading survey for steel products required in P&I Club’s policy, the member’s P&I cover shall be prejudiced. Under such circumstances, no doubt we would try utmost to argue for the clients that it should be determined by the actual cause of the cargo damage and whether the Owners could defend or avoid such claim if a preloading survey was conducted. However, the P&I clubs/insurers may make their discretion case by case, and sometimes even without option of future negotiation. Thus in any event, we strongly recommend the members to arrange preloading survey for every carriage of steel products as required.
Different P&I insurers/clubs may differ in which kinds of steel cargoes are subject to pre-loading survey. One of our previous circulars is to remind you that the steel preloading survey requirement by an insurer applies to all steel products without limitations. We would suggest checking with the P&I Club/insurer in advance if you are uncertain whether the steel cargoes to be carried are subject to the preloading survey requirement or not. ALCO is very pleased to help clients for any advice on this subject and please do not hesitate to contact us when you find our assistance is needed.
See attached file :ALCO20120067 Necessity to Arrange Steel Preloading Surveys.pdf
钢材装前检验的必要性
我司近期收到几起钢材货损的案件，这些钢材都具水敏感性且价值较高，但在装港都没有安排装前检验。谨在此提醒贵司在装港进行钢材装前检验是协会保单下的强制要求，该检验将对货物状况以及货舱口都进行检查来保护会员的利益。大副收据和提单应当相应的记载下检验员备注的货物状况。而对舱盖板的检查可以帮助会员在开航之前及时修理检验员发现的问题；如果舱盖板状况良好，那么检验报告可以作为证明舱盖板水密性良好并且适航的充分证据，用来抗辩将来可能发生的货损索赔。
一般来说，未能按照保赔协会的要求安排钢材装前检验，将会影响保单的效力。在这种情况下，我司会为客户与协会力争，应当根据货损的实际原因以及若是安排了装前检验，船东是否能抗辩或者避免这样的索赔来决定保单效力。但是，保赔协会或保险人可能会根据案子的不同情形进行自由裁量，有时甚至不留协商的余地。因此无论如何，我司都强烈建议会员在每次装运钢材的航程中按照协会要求安排装前检验。
不同的保赔协会或保险人可能对何种钢材应当进行装前检验而有不同的规定。我司曾经发布通函告知船东一家保赔保险人要求对所有的钢材货物都进行装前检验。因此，若贵司并不肯定即将装运的钢材是否在入保的保赔协会或保险人的装前检验要求范围内，我司建议向保赔协会或保险人进行事先确认。ALCO十分乐意为贵司就题述事项提供帮助，如有任何需要，请随时联系我司。
以上由 ANDREW LIU & CO.,LTD 编译，应以英文为准！
详细信息请参阅附件。
