What is a Mate’s Receipt?

A Mate’s Receipt (MR) is a critical document in maritime transport, issued by the chief mate of a ship to acknowledge the receipt of cargo on board. While the Mate’s Receipt is being increasingly replaced by the Standard Shipping Note (SSN) in modern shipping practices, it remains relevant in conventional trade, especially for general cargo, dry bulk, and tanker shipments. 

Key Features of a Mate’s Receipt

Here are some of the key features of a Mate’s receipt: 

Purpose and Use

• Acknowledgement of Cargo: The Mate’s Receipt serves as proof that the cargo has been received on board the ship. It is essentially an initial acknowledgment before the issuance of the Bill of Lading (B/L), which is the primary document of title.
• Prima Facie Evidence: While not a document of title, it acts as prima facie evidence that the goods have been loaded onto the vessel.

Format and Issuance

• Document Format: Typically issued in triplicate, the Mate’s Receipt is prepared in a standardized format provided by the shipowner. The original copy is given to the shipper, the second to the shipping agent, and the third remains with the ship’s records.
• Content Requirements: The Mate’s Receipt should accurately reflect the quantity and condition of the cargo, as noted by the ship’s tally. Any discrepancies between the tally figures should be mentioned, with remarks such as “X more bales in dispute, if onboard to be delivered.”

Types of Mate’s Receipts

Here are the important types of Mate’s receipts: 

• Clean Mate’s Receipt: Issued when the chief mate is satisfied that the cargo is properly packed and in good condition, indicating no visible defects.
• Qualified Mate’s Receipt: Issued if there are concerns about the packing or condition of the cargo. This receipt highlights any issues and indicates that the shipping company does not accept responsibility for potential damage during transit.

Contents of a Mate’s Receipt

(a) Name and logo of the shipping line.

(b) Name and address of the shipper.

(c) Name and the number of vessels.

(d) Name of the port of loading.

(e) Name of the port of discharge and place of delivery.

(f) Marks and container number.

(g) Packing and container description.

(h) Total number of containers and packages.

(I) Description of goods in terms of quantity.

(i) Container status and seal number.

(k) Gross weight in kg. and volume in terms of cubic meters.

(I) Shipping bill number and date.

(m) Signature and initials of the Chief Officer

Significance of a Mate’s Receipt

• Transferability: The Mate’s Receipt must be handed over to the shipping company to obtain the Bill of Lading. This document is necessary for the title transfer of goods and to clear port dues.
• Basis for Bill of Lading: The Bill of Lading, which represents the legal title of the goods, is prepared based on the information provided in the Mate’s Receipt.
• Port Dues: It enables the exporter to pay port trust dues to the Port Trust Authorities, facilitating the clearance process.

Difference Between Mate’s Receipt and Bill of Lading

Mate’s Receipt and Bill of Lading are two important shipping documents, but they serve different purposes. Here’s a simple comparison to help understand their differences:

Issuance

• Mate’s Receipt: Given when goods are loaded onto the ship after checking.
• Bill of Lading: Issued based on the Mate’s Receipt after loading is complete.

Who Issues It

• Mate’s Receipt: Prepared by the ship’s chief officer.
• Bill of Lading: Issued by the ship’s master, agent, owner, or charterer.

Purpose

• Mate’s Receipt: Shows the goods are on the ship but doesn’t guarantee they will be carried.
• Bill of Lading: Confirms the goods are on the ship and will be carried.

Cargo Handling

• Mate’s Receipt: Cargo can still be refused after this is issued.
• Bill of Lading: Once issued, the cargo must be carried unless there’s a valid reason to refuse.

Contract Evidence

• Mate’s Receipt: Not proof of a shipping contract.
• Bill of Lading: Acts as proof of the shipping contract.

Legal Status

• Mate’s Receipt: Not a legal document.
• Bill of Lading: Legal document and can be used in court.

Binding

• Mate’s Receipt: Doesn’t bind the carrier.
• Bill of Lading: Binds the carrier to transport the goods.

Document Type

• Mate’s Receipt: Temporary and used for checking cargo.
• Bill of Lading: Permanent document.

Document Handling

• Mate’s Receipt: Can be destroyed after the Bill of Lading is issued.
• Bill of Lading: Must be kept for at least 3 years or until any claims are settled.

Negotiability

• Mate’s Receipt: Not negotiable.
• Bill of Lading: Can be negotiable, meaning it can be transferred to others.

Importance

• Mate’s Receipt: Less important and often replaced by the Bill of Lading.
• Bill of Lading: More important and takes precedence over the Mate’s Receipt.

Delivery

• Mate’s Receipt: Cannot be used to claim the cargo.
• Bill of Lading: Required to claim and receive the cargo.

Ownership and Claims

• Mate’s Receipt: Doesn’t show ownership or rights to claim the cargo.
• Bill of Lading: Shows ownership and the right to make cargo claims.

Conclusion

The Mate’s Receipt is an important document in the shipping process, providing initial proof of cargo receipt and serving as a precursor to the Bill of Lading. Although it is increasingly being replaced by modern documents, understanding its role and requirements is crucial for effective cargo management and compliance in international trade.