As a marine surveyor or any shipping professional, writing accident reports is crucial. One type of report that they encounter is a “marine cargo damage report.” This report is often requested by cargo interests who want to claim damages against shipowners, charterers or stakeholders in a particular sea-carriage. Writing such reports requires a careful and detailed account of the incident. Therefore, in this article, we will discuss how marine professionals could write cargo damage reports in English.
First and foremost, the report should include all relevant details about the ship’s voyage, such as the vessel’s name, flag, port of call, date, and time of the incident. It should also provide the nature of damage or loss, the type of cargo involved, the position of the cargo when the damage occurred, and the probable cause of the damage or loss. The report should also provide information about the type of container, packaging, and stowage of cargo, along with any relevant photographs, diagrams, and charts showing the position and extent of the damage.
The report should include a detailed and objective assessment of the condition of the cargo before, during, and after transportation. Moreover, it should provide a written factual report of the inspection that was carried out, including a complete list of samples taken or tests conducted on the damaged cargo, and details of any actions taken to mitigate the incident.
In addition to the above, the report should give an accurate description of how the damage was discovered, and by whom. If the damage was detected during offloading, the report should provide an account of container or package condition, indicating whether it was wet, damaged, or broken. It is important to note that the report should not include any direct comments on the apparent cause of the damage or apportion blame.
The report should end with a summary of findings, including the extent of damage, type of damage, extent of possible recovery, and any recommendations on how the matter should be resolved. It must also provide details of the vessel’s hull and machinery status, as well as any other relevant information.
In conclusion, writing a marine cargo damage report may seem like a daunting task, but it is essential to ensure that all relevant facts are presented clearly and without emotion. The report should be written objectively and thoroughly, and any potential causes of the damage should be treated with impartiality. By following these guidelines, marine professionals can ensure that their reports are both professional and helpful to the parties who require them.