Mate's Receipt

The Mate's Receipt is the working acknowledgment that cargo has been received on board. It precedes the Bill of Lading and dictates whether the B/L will be issued clean or claused. Any defect noticed at loading — torn bags, water-stained packages, dented drums, short count — must appear as a claused remark; failing to claus a Mate's Receipt is a major route to LoI's, P&I claims, and suit-against-vessel.

Form (formal letter)

Mate's Receipt

Vessel <vessel> · Voyage — · Port —

Shipper: — · Consignee: —

Received on board for shipment, in apparent good order and condition, except as noted below:

Marks & numbers	No. & kind	Description	Gross wt	Measurement
—	—	—	—	—

Condition / claused remarks:

—

This Mate's Receipt is non-negotiable and is to be exchanged for the Bill of Lading. Any clauses noted herein shall appear on the Bill of Lading.

Received on behalf of the Master,

Master

________________________

Date

________________________

Acknowledged / received without prejudice by ____________________ Date / Time ____________

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Mate's Receipt

See also