Document background
The On Deck Bill of Lading is a crucial document in maritime trade where cargo must or is preferred to be carried on the vessel's deck rather than in holds. This document type is essential for oversized cargo, containers, or goods requiring ventilation, explicitly acknowledging the increased risks associated with deck carriage. Operating under Swiss law while incorporating international maritime conventions, it provides clear evidence of the contract of carriage, serves as a receipt for goods, and functions as a document of title. The document is particularly important as it modifies the standard terms of carriage to address specific risks of deck transportation, including exposure to weather and sea conditions. It includes mandatory declarations about deck stowage, helping all parties understand and agree to the modified risk allocation and liability terms associated with this type of carriage.
