Arrival, readiness and commercial pressure
A vessel arrives near the agreed loading area late in the afternoon. The charterer asks the master to send a notice of readiness immediately so that a commercial timetable can be preserved. Some cargo spaces are still being prepared, and the team has not yet confirmed that the vessel meets the actual contractual readiness condition. A message from the agent says that the berth may become available shortly, but it does not amend the charter terms. The master has the relevant contract and can seek responsible company advice. Meanwhile, the crew is completing ordinary safety and cargo checks. No one has established a universal rule that physical arrival alone starts laytime, and a hurried signature would not make an unready space suitable for the planned cargo.
1. Does sending a message alone establish valid readiness?
Read the worked answer
No. Arrival, actual readiness, notice form and any other contractual conditions require assessment under the actual charter. A message cannot repair an unready ship or amend the contract by assumption.
2. What should the master preserve while obtaining instructions?
Read the worked answer
Preserve accurate times, conditions, communications and outstanding work, obtain responsible advice and keep safety checks factual. Avoid inventing a readiness statement merely to satisfy commercial pressure.