Carriage of Goods by Sea Act 1971

Summary

The Carriage of Goods by Sea Act 1971 gives the force of law to the Hague-Visby Rules (an international convention governing the rights and obligations of carriers and shippers). It sets minimum standards of carrier liability for loss or damage to cargo, limits of liability, and the duties of the carrier regarding seaworthiness and care of cargo.

Key Points

• Gives force of law to the Hague-Visby Rules (s.1)
• Carrier must exercise due diligence to make ship seaworthy (Art.III r.1)
• Carrier must properly load, handle, stow, carry, and discharge goods (Art.III r.2)
• Package limitation: 666.67 SDR per package or 2 SDR per kg (Art.IV r.5)
• List of excepted perils including act of God, act of war, fire (Art.IV r.2)
• One-year time bar for cargo claims (Art.III r.6)
• Cannot contract out of minimum obligations (Art.III r.8)

Parts & Sections

Amendments History