A cargo owner's representative sailing aboard a vessel to oversee the handling and care of the cargo throughout the voyage.
In practice
The supercargo liaises with the chief mate regarding cargo securing, ventilation of cargo holds, temperature monitoring for reefer cargoes, and any handling precautions required by the cargo's nature. Under a voyage charter party, the supercargo may have authority to give instructions to the master regarding cargo matters, though the master retains absolute authority over navigation and safety. The supercargo keeps records of cargo condition at loading and throughout the voyage, issues any cargo damage protests on behalf of the cargo owner, and may be called as a witness in cargo claims proceedings. Their presence does not relieve the master or chief mate of their own obligations under the bill of lading and the Hague-Visby Rules.
Regulatory detail & full definition
A supercargo is a representative of the cargo owner or shipper who travels aboard the vessel to oversee the stowage, care, and condition of a specific cargo consignment throughout the voyage. The role was historically common in the general cargo and break-bulk trades, where individual cargoes of high value — spices, silks, and precious metals — required dedicated custodianship. Today supercargoes are still encountered on specialist voyages carrying project cargo, livestock, fresh produce, or high-value goods where the cargo owner requires direct monitoring.
The supercargo liaises with the chief mate regarding cargo securing, ventilation of cargo holds, temperature monitoring for reefer cargoes, and any handling precautions required by the cargo's nature. Under a voyage charter party, the supercargo may have authority to give instructions to the master regarding cargo matters, though the master retains absolute authority over navigation and safety. The supercargo keeps records of cargo condition at loading and throughout the voyage, issues any cargo damage protests on behalf of the cargo owner, and may be called as a witness in cargo claims proceedings. Their presence does not relieve the master or chief mate of their own obligations under the bill of lading and the Hague-Visby Rules.