AI Summary & Key Takeaways
AI InsightFurthermore, Clause 6(c) also provides that the carrier is under an obligation to include a notation in the bill of lading indicating that the cargo is carried on deck, thereby ensuring that third parties acquiring the bill of lading are duly informed of this fact.
📌 3 Key Takeaways
Abstract
Clause 6 of Gencon 2022, entitled “Deck Cargo”, sets out the principles governing the carriage of goods on deck in voyage charterparties. This clause consists of three parts. Pursuant to Clause 6(a), the written consent of the owner or the operator is required for the carriage of goods on deck. In the absence of such consent, no loading on deck shall take place and, consequently, no goods may be carried on deck. Clause 6(b) contains three subparagraphs. According to this provision, where the owner consents to the loading of cargo on deck or to its carriage on deck, the carrier shall: (i) ensure, subject to the supervision and approval of the master, that the cargo does not exceed the permitted quantity on deck and on the hatch covers and does not endanger the seaworthiness, stability, or navigational safety of the vessel; (ii) supply all additional equipment necessary for loading on deck or on the hatch covers; and (iii) properly load, stow, and secure the cargo under the supervision of the master, at its own risk and expense. Under Clause 6(b), a duty of supervision is imposed on the master with respect to deck cargo. This duty encompasses ensuring that the cargo is loaded, stowed, and secured in such a manner that it does not exceed the permitted limits on deck and on the hatch covers and does not jeopardize the seaworthiness, stability, or navigational safety of the vessel. Conversely, Clause 6(b) imposes on the carrier the obligation to carry out the loading, stowage, and securing operations in compliance with these requirements and to bear the costs associated therewith. According to Clause 6(c), cargo carried on deck is transported at the carrier’s risk and responsibility. The owner shall not be liable, for any reason whatsoever, including its own fault, for loss of or damage to cargo carried on deck. The carrier, on the other hand, is obliged to issue the bill of lading with an express statement indicating that the cargo is carried on deck. When Clauses 6(a) and 6(c) are considered together, it becomes evident that although cargo may be carried on deck only with the written consent of the owner, the owner cannot be held liable for any loss of or damage arising from such carriage. Indeed, even where such loss or damage results from the owner’s own fault, the owner shall not be held liable for the resulting loss. This is because, under Clause 6(c), liability for loss of or damage to cargo carried on deck rests with the carrier, including in cases involving the owner’s fault. Furthermore, Clause 6(c) also provides that the carrier is under an obligation to include a notation in the bill of lading indicating that the cargo is carried on deck, thereby ensuring that third parties acquiring the bill of lading are duly informed of this fact.
Özet
Deniz yolu ile eşya taşımacılığında, istisnalar saklı kalmak kaydıyla eşyaların geminin güvertesinde taşınması yasaktır. Bu yasağın temelinde, güvertede taşınan eşyaların denizden ve hava koşullarından kaynaklanan rizikolar nedeniyle zıya veya hasara uğrama ihtimallerinin yüksek olacağı ve ayrıca güvertede eşya taşımanın gemiye de zarar verebileceği düşüncesi yer almaktadır. Bu düşünce doğrultusunda, ulusal ve uluslararası mevzuatlarda, eşyanın geminin güvertesinde taşınmasının yasak olduğuna ilişkin düzenlemelere yer verilmiştir. Bununla birlikte, gelişen teknoloji ve gereksinimler doğrultusunda, eşyanın geminin güvertesinde taşınmasına olanak tanıyan hükümler de yürürlüğe konulmuştur. Çalışmada, sefer esaslı yolculuk çarteri sözleşmeleri için hazırlanan ve 2022 yılında en güncel formu yayımlanan Gencon standart çarter partisinin (Gencon 2022) “Güverte Yükü (Deck cargo)” başlıklı 6 numaralı Klozunda yer alan düzenlemeler ele alınmıştır. Ayrıca 1994 yılında kabul edilen Gencon 94 çarter partisinin 1 numaralı Klozunda yer alan güverte yükü taşınmasına ilişkin hüküm de incelenmiştir. Gencon standart çarter partilerindeki hükümler incelenmeden önce ise, Türk ve Alman hukuklarında güvertede eşya taşınmasını düzenleyen hükümler üzerinde de durulmuştur. Bu kapsamda, yürürlükte kalkan 6762 sayılı Türk Ticaret Kanunu’nun (eTTK) 1029. maddesi ile 6102 sayılı Türk Ticaret Kanunu’nun (TTK) 1151. maddelerinde yer alan düzenlemeler de ele alınmıştır. Öte yandan eTTK m. 1029 ile TTK m. 1151/1’in mehazı niteliğinde olan yürürlükten kalkan Alman Ticaret Kanunu’nun (HGB) 566’ncı maddesinin birinci fıkrası ile yürürlükte bulunan Alman Ticaret Kanunu’nun (YHGB) 486’ncı maddesinin dördüncü fıkrası incelenmiştir.