Article 213 of the Saudi Commercial Maritime Law
المادة 213 من النظام البحري التجاري · الفصل الرابع: عقد النقل البحري : أولاً: أحكام عامة
The carrier is not liable for loss of or damage to goods stated in the bill of lading as carried on deck if he proves that the damage arises from the special risks of this kind of carriage.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
لا يسأل الناقل عن هلاك أو تلف البضائع التي يذكر في سند الشحن أنها منقولة على سطح السفينة, إذا أثبت أن الهلاك أو التلف ناشئ عن المخاطر الخاصة بهذا النوع من النقل.
This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
Article 213 explained in plain English
This article deals with the carrier's liability for goods carried on the deck of the ship. The carrier is not liable for their loss or damage on two conditions:
- the bill of lading states that they are carried on the deck of the ship;
- the carrier proves that the loss or damage arises from the special risks of this kind of carriage.
The idea is that goods on deck are exposed to risks that goods in the holds are not exposed to, such as waves, wind and rain. If the shipper accepted this kind of carriage and it was stated in the bill, the carrier does not bear damage resulting from these special risks.
But the exemption is not absolute:
- if deck loading is not stated in the bill, the article does not apply;
- if the damage arose from another cause than the risks of deck loading, such as negligence in stowage, this exemption does not cover it.
It follows Article 212, which exempts the carrier when the shipper deliberately states incorrect particulars. It is followed by Article 214, which prevents the carrier from relying on limitation of liability if the shipper gave a statement before loading about the nature and value of the goods and it was stated in the bill. Anyone whose goods were damaged on deck is advised to consult a lawyer specializing in maritime and commercial law.
Practical example
Heavy equipment for a company in Yanbu was loaded on the deck of the ship, and this was stated in the bill of lading. A high wave swept part of it away. If the carrier proves that the damage arose from the special risks of deck loading, he is not liable for it.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
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Frequently asked questions about Article 213 of the Saudi Commercial Maritime Law
Is the carrier responsible for damage to goods loaded on deck?
He is not liable if the bill states that they are carried on deck and he proves that the damage arises from the special risks of this kind of carriage.
What if deck loading was not stated in the bill?
The article requires that it be stated in the bill of lading for the exemption to apply.
More articles on Carriage of Goods by Sea and the Bill of Lading
- Article 115
If the master must repair the ship during the voyage, the shipper may wait or take out the goods while paying full freight, with no increase in freight; if repair is not possible, the master hires a substitute ship at his own expense.
1- إذا اضطر الربان إلى إصلاح السفينة أثناء السفر، كان للمستأجر أو الشاحن الخيار بين الانتظار حتى إتمام إصلاح السفينة أو إخراج بضائعه منها، وفي هذه الحالة الأخير
- Article 121
The shipping agent is liable to shippers or consignees for loss of or damage to goods when loaded or unloaded only for the agent's own fault or the fault of those working for the agent.
لا يسأل الوكيل الملاحي من قبل الشاحنين أو المرسل إليهم عن هلاك أو تلف البضائع التي يتسلمها لشحنها في السفينة أو التي يتولى تفريغها منها لتسليمها لأصحابها إلا عن
- Article 122
The cargo agent must preserve the rights of the goods' owners against the carrier; otherwise the agent is presumed to have received the goods in the condition and quantity stated in the bill of lading, unless the contrary is proved by an official record.
يجب على وكيل الشحنة اتخاذ الإجراءات والتدابير اللازمة للمحافظة على حقوق أصحاب الشأن في البضاعة قِبَل الناقل أو متعهد النقل، وإلا افترض أنّ الوكيل تسلم البضاعة ف
- Article 124
The provisions limiting the carrier's liability set out in the Law apply to the transport contractor.
تسري على متعهد النقل أحكام تحديد المسؤولية المتعلقة بالناقل المنصوص عليها في النظام.
- Article 155
The lessor of a fully equipped ship is liable for damage to the goods the lessee places on the ship, unless he proves he fully performed his obligations and the damage did not arise from his fault or that of his subordinates.
يسأل مؤجر السفينة المجهزة عن الضرر الذي يصيب البضائع التي يضعها المستأجر في السفينة, إلا إذا أثبت أنه قام بتنفيذ التزاماته كاملة, وأن الضرر لم ينشأ عن تقصيره أو
- Article 179
A contract of carriage by sea can be proved only in writing.
لا يثبت عقد النقل البحري إلا بالكتابة.
The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.