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Master's Sea Protest

A Sea Protest (also called Note of Protest) is the Master's sworn declaration that the vessel encountered an extraordinary event during the voyage which may have caused damage to ship or cargo. Filed at the first port of call after the event, before a notary public or consul, normally within 24 hours of arrival. The protest preserves the Master's right to invoke the "perils of the sea" defence under common law and most cargo regimes (Hague-Visby Art IV.2(c)).

The protest may be "extended" later — opening the deck log, OOW notebooks, and weather records to evidence the protest. Always make a Sea Protest if there is any doubt; it costs little and preserves recourse.

Form (formal letter)

Note of Sea Protest

Before me, <Notary / Consul>, this day personally appeared the undersigned Master of the vessel <vessel>.

Voyage from <port departed> to <port arrived>.

And declared as follows:

<weather and circumstances encountered>

Actions taken:

<actions taken to preserve ship and cargo>

Damage / suspected damage:

<damage observed or suspected>

The Master therefore protests against winds, seas, and weather encountered, and against all losses, damages, and consequences arising therefrom — reserving the right to extend this protest at time and place convenient.

Sworn before me this day,

Master

________________________

Date

________________________

Acknowledged / received without prejudice by ____________________ Date / Time ____________

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