Enumerations Flashcards
OBLIGATIONS OF THE CARRIER
GENERAL RULE: A common carrier cannot ordinarily refuse to carry a particular class of goods. EXCEPTION: For some sufficient reason the discrimination against the traffic in such goods is reasonable and necessary.
Instances when the carrier may validly refuse to accept the goods include the ff:
DOCU FUSIE
- ) Goods sought to be transported are DANGEROUS objects, or substances including dynamite and other explosives
- ) Goods are UNFIT for transportation
- ) Acceptance would result in OVERLOADING
- ) CONTRABANDS or illegal goods
- ) Goods are INJURIOUS to health
- ) Goods will be exposed to UNTOWARD danger like FLOOD, capture by enemies and the like
- ) Goods like livestock will be EXPOSED TO DISEASE.
- ) STRIKE
- ) FAILURE to tender goods on time. (Notes and Cases on the Law on Transportation and Public Utilities, Aquino, T. & Hernando, R.P. 2004 ed. p.68)
Effects of delay
a. Merely suspends and generally does not terminate the contract of carriage b. Carrier remains duty bound to exercise extraordinary diligence c. Natural disaster shall not free the carrier from responsibility (Art.1740) d. If delay is without just cause, the contract limiting the common carrier’s liability cannot be availed of in case of loss or deterioration of the goods (Art.1747)
RIGHT OF CONSIGNEE TO ABANDON GOODS
Instances: 1. Partial non-delivery, where the goods are useless without the others (Art. 363); 2. Goods are rendered useless for sale or consumption for the purposes for which they are properly destined (Art. 365); and 3. In case of delay through the fault of the carrier (Art. 371).
NOTICE OF DAMAGE (ART. 366) Requisites for applicability:
- Domestic/inter-island/coastwise transportation 2. Land/water/air transportation 3. Carriage of goods 4. Goods shipped are damaged Rules: a. Patent damage: shipper must file a claim against the carrier immediately upon delivery (it may be oral or written) b. Latent damage: shipper should file a claim against the carrier within 24 hours from delivery. Note: These rules does not apply to misdelivery of goods. (Roldan vs. Lim Ponzo)
What are the CHARACTERISTICS OF MARITIME TRANSACTION?
- Real - similar to transactions over real property with respect to effectivity against third persons which is done through registration. (Rubiso vs. Rivera, 37 Phil. 72). The evidence of real nature is shown by: 1) the limitation of the liability of the agents to the actual value of the vessel and the freight money; and 2) the right to retain the cargo and embargo and detention of the vessel (Luzon Stevedoring Corp v. CA, 156 SCRA 169); 2. Hypothecary - the liability of the owner of the value of the vessel is limited to the vessel itself (Doctrine of Limited Liability). The real and hypothecary nature of maritime law simply means that the liability of the carrier in connection with losses related to maritime contracts is confined to the vessel, which stands as the guaranty for their settlement. (Aboitiz Shipping Corp. vs. General Accident Fire and Life Assurance Corp. 217 SCRA 359).
The GENERAL RULE: The liability of shipowner and ship agent is limited to the amount of interest in said vessel such that where vessel is entirely lost, the obligation is extinguished. The interest extends to: 1) the vessel itself; 2) equipments; 3) freightage; and 4) insurance proceeds. What are the EXCEPTIONS?
- Claims under Workmen’s Compensation (Abueg vs. San Diego 77 Phil 730); 2. Injury or damage due to shipowner or to the concurring negligence of the shipowner and the captain; 3. The vessel is insured (Vasquez vs. CA 138 SCRA 553). 4. Expenses for repair on vessel completed before loss; 5. In case there is no total loss and the vessel is not abandoned; 6. Collision between two negligent vessels;
What are the cases where Hypothecary rule applies?
DOCTRINE OF LIMITED LIABILITY (HYPOTHECARY RULE) Cases where applicable: 1. Art. 587 – civil liability for indemnities to third persons 2. Art. 590 – indemnities from negligent acts of the captain (not the shipowner or ship agent) 3. Art. 837 – collision 4. Art. 643 – liability for wages of the captain and the crew and for advances made by the ship agent if the vessel is lost by shipwreck or capture
What are the instances where Shipowner or ship agent can abandon vessel?
RIGHT OF SHIPOWNER OR SHIP AGENT TO ABANDON VESSEL Instances: 1. In case of civil liability from indemnities to third persons (Art. 587); 2. In case of leakage of at least ¾ of the contents of a cargo containing liquids (Art. 687); and 3. In case of construct
What are the CAUSES OF REVOCATION OF VOYAGE?
- War or interdiction of commerce; 2. Blockade; 3. Prohibition to receive cargo at destination; 4. Embargo; 5. Inability of the vessel to navigate. (Art. 640)
Who are the participants in maritime commerce?
A. Shipowners and ship agents B. Captains and masters of the vessel C. Officers and crew of the vessel D. Supercargoes E. Pilot
A Person who has possession, control and management of the vessel and the consequent right to direct her navigation and receive freight earned and paid, while his possession continues.
Shipowner (proprietario)
Person entrusted with provisioning and representing the vessel in the port in which it may be found; also includes the shipowner. Not a mere agent under civil law; he is solidarily liable with the ship owner.
Ship agent (Naviero)
What are the powers and function of a ship agent?
- Capacity to trade; 2. Discharge duties of the captain, subject to Art.609; 3. Contract in the name of the owners with respect to repairs, details of equipment, armament, provisions of food and fuel, and freight of the vessel, and all that relate to the requirements of navigation; 4. Order a new voyage, make a new charter or insure the vessel after obtaining authorization from the shipown
Civil Liabilities of the Shipowner And Ship Agent
- All contracts of the captain, whether authorized or not, to repair, equip and provision the vessel; (Art. 586) 2. Loss and damage to the goods loaded on the vessel without prejudice to their right to free themselves from liability by abandoning the vessel to the creditors. (Art. 587)
Duty of Ship Agent to Discharge the Captain and Members of the Crew
If the seamen contract is not for a definite period or voyage, he may discharge them at his discretion. (Art. 603) If for a definite period, he may not discharge them until after the fulfillment of their contracts, except on the following grounds: a. Insubordination in serious matters; b. Robbery; c. Theft; d. Habitual drunkenness; e. Damage caused to the vessel or to its cargo through malice o
They are the chiefs or commanders of ships. The terms have the same meaning, but are particularly used in accordance with the size of the vessel governed and the scope of transportation, i.e., large and overseas, and small and coastwise, respectively.
CAPTAINS AND MASTERS
Nature of position of Captains and Masters (3-fold character)
. General agent of the shipowner; 2. Technical director of the vessel; 3. Representative of the government of the country under whose flag he navigates.
What are the qualifications to become a Captain or Master?
1.Filipino citizen; 2. Legal capacity to contract; 3. Must have passed the required physical and mental examinations requ
What are the inherent powers of a Captain or Master?
- Appoint crew in the absence of ship agent; 2. Command the crew and direct the vessel to its port of destination; 3. Impose correctional punishment on those who, while on board vessel, fail to comply with his orders or are wanting in discipline; 4. Make contracts for the charter of vessel in the absence of ship agent. 5. Supply, equip, and provision the vessel; and 6. Order repair of vessel to ena
What are the Sources of funds to comply with the inherent powers of the captain (in successive order)?
From the consignee of the vessel; 2. From the consignee of the cargo; 3. By drawing on the ship agent; 4. By a loan on bottomry; 5. By sale of part of the cargo.
What are the duties of a Captain?
s: 1. Bring on board the proper certificate and documents and a copy of the Code of Commerce; 2. Keep a Log Book, Accounting Book and Freight Book; 3. Examine the ship before the voyage; 4. Stay on board during the loading and unloading of the cargo; 5. Be on deck while leaving or entering the port; 6. Protest arrivals under stress and in case of shipwreck; 7. Follow instructions of and render an accounting to the ship agent; 8. Leave the vessel last in case of wreck; 9. Hold in custody properties left by deceased passengers and crew members; 10. Comply with the requirements of customs, health, etc. at the port of arrival; 11. Observe rules to avoid collision; 12. Demand a pilot while entering or leaving a port. (Art. 612)
What is the nature of authority of Captains?
A ship’s captain must be accorded a reasonable measure of discretionary authority to decide what the safety of the ship and of its crew and cargo specifically requires on a stipulated ocean voyage (Inter-Orient Maritime Enterprises Inc. vs. CA).
When is a captain absolved of liability?
- Force majeure damages 2. Obligations contracted for the repair, equipment, and provisioning of the vessel unless he has expressly bound himself personally or has signed a bill of exchange or promissory note in his name. (Art. 620)
What are the Solidary Liabilities of the Ship Agent/Shipowner for Acts Done by the Captain towards Passengers and Cargoes?
- Damages to vessel and to cargo due to lack of skill and negligence; 2. Thefts and robberies of the crew; 3. Losses and fines for violation of laws; 4. Damages due to mutinies; 5. Damages due to misuse of power; 6. For deviations; 7. For arrivals under stress; 8. Damages due to non-observance of marine regulations. (Art. 618)
Who are the officers and crew?
- Sailing Mate/First Mate 2. Second Mate 3. Engineers 4. Crew
Officers and crew have no liability under circumstances of?
No liability under the following circumstances: 1. If, before beginning voyage, captain attempts to change it, or a naval war with the power to which the vessel was destined occurs; 2. If a disease breaks out and be officially declared an epidemic in the port of destination; 3. If the vessel should change owner or captain. (Art. 647)
Second chief of the vessel who takes the place of the captain in case of absence, sickness, or death and shall assume all of his duties, powers and responsibilities. (Art. 627)
Sailing Mate/First Mate
Duties of a Sailing Mate/First Mate
- Provide himself with maps and charts with astronomical tables necessary for the discharge of his duties; 2. Keep the Binnacle Book; 3. Change the course of the voyage on consultation with the captain and the officers of the boat, following the decision of the captain in case of disagreement; 4. Responsible for all the damages caused to the vessel and the cargo by reason of his negligence. (Arts. 628 - 631)
Takes command of the vessel in case of the inability or disqualification of the captain and the sailing mate, assuming in such case their powers and responsibilities.
Second mate, third in command
Duties of a second mate
- Preserve the hull and rigging of the vessel; 2. Arrange well the cargo; 3. Discipline the crew; 4. Assign work to crew members; 5. Inventory the rigging and equipment of the vessel, if laid up. (Art. 632)
Officers of the vessel but have no authority except in matters referring to the motor apparatus. When two or more are hired, one of them shall be the chief engineer.
Engineers.
Duties of an engineer
- In charge of the motor apparatus, spare parts, and other instruments pertaining to the engines; 2. Keep the engines and boilers in good condition; 3. Not to change or repair the engine without authority of the captain; 4. Inform the captain of any damage to the motor apparatus; 5. Keep an Engine Book; 6. Supervise all person
The aggregate of seamen who man a ship, or the ship’s company.
Crew, they are Hired by the ship agent, where he is present and in his absence, the captain hires them, preferring Filipinos, and in their absence, he may take in foreigners, but not exceeding 1/5 of the crew.
What are the classes of Seaman’s contracts?
Classes of Seaman’s Contracts 1. By the voyage; 2. By the month; and 3. By share of profits or freightage
Just Causes for the Discharge of Seaman While Contract Subsists
- Perpetration of a crime; 2. Repeated insubordination, want of discipline; 3. Repeated incapacity and negligence; 4. Habitual drunkenness; 5. Physical incapacity; 6. Desertion. (Art. 637)