GLOSSARY
OF SHIPPING AND COMMERCIAL TERMS IN USE
IN PORT AFFAIRS!

Alongside Date. The date when a vessel will be ready to receive
export cargo.

Ballast. Heavy material (sand, gravel, stone, etc.) placed in the
hold of an empty vessel to keep it steady. Ships voyaging without
cargo are said to be In Ballast.

Berthage. The space alongside a wharf or quay for the reception
of shipping. Each individual ship requires a berth, and she is
said to be berthed when she occupies it.

Bill of Health. A certificate either from a Consul or a Customs
official given to a ship on clearance outwards as to the state of
health in the port or place at the time. A clean bill of health is,
of course, satisfactory, and in the absence of sickness on board
exempts a vessel from quarantine at the next port of call.

Bill of Lading. The form of receipt given for goods as received
on board a vessel for exportation ; it covers an agreement to convey
and deliver, and specifies the charges payable, as well as the ship’s
name, shipper’s name, port of destination, and full particulars of
the goods, ete.

Bill of Sight. A form used in connection with Customs entry of
goods when an importer is unable to complete the normal form.
It enables packages to be opened in the presence of a Customs
official, and, when this is done, the “ sight *’ is said to be * perfected.”

Bonded Goods. See Customs Bond.

Bonded Stores. Dutiable provisions intended for consumption
on board a vessel and kept under Customs’ supervision.

Bonded Warehouse. A warehouse assigned to the reception of
bonded goods. It must be approved by H.M. Customs and no
goods can be removed therefrom without Customs’ sanction or
until the duty has been paid.

Broker. An agent acting on behalf of another to do certain
things, as a shipbroker—to sell or charter a vessel.

Captain’s Entry. A provisional entry, in place of the proper entry,
made under special circumstances.

Charter Party. The contract entered into between a shipowner
and a merchant for the hire of a vessel for the conveyance of
merchandise from one port to another, or during a period of time.

Clearance. The term applied to the Board of Trade certification
that all requirements and formalities have been complied with at
a British port in connection with the arrival and departure of a
foreign-going ship. In the former case, it is called Clearance
Inwards and the certificate form is labelled BB. In the latter case,
it is called Clearance Outwards and the form is labelled AA.
Clearances apply to both ships and goods.

1 The author has derived considerable assistance in compiling
this Glossary from Shipping Terms and Phrases, by Mr. James A.
Dunnagé. (London : Sir Isaac Pitman & Sons, Ltd. Price 2s. 6d.).
128