Sea-Carriage Documents Act 1997

This section applies in relation to a bill of lading which – represents goods to have been shipped, or received for shipment, on board a vessel; and is signed – by the master of the vessel; or by another person with the express, implied or apparent authority of the carrier to sign bills of lading.

A bill of lading to which this section applies is prima facie evidence as against the carrier, in favour of the shipper, of the shipment of the goods or, in the case of a received for shipment bill of lading, of their receipt for shipment.

A bill of lading to which this section applies is conclusive evidence as against the carrier, in favour of a lawful holder of the bill, of the shipment of the goods or, in the case of a received for shipment bill of lading, of their receipt for shipment.