Abbreviation: B/L, plural Bs/L. A document which evidences a contract of carriage by sea. The document has the following functions: A receipt for goods, signed by a duly authorised person on behalf of the carriers. A document of title to the goods described therein. Evidence of the terms and conditions of carriage agreed upon between the two parties. At the moment 3 different models are used: A document for either Combined Transport or Port to Port shipments depending whether the relevant spaces for place of receipt and/or place of delivery are indicated on the face of the document. A classic marine Bill of Lading in which the carrier is also responsible for the part of the transport actually performed by himself. Sea Waybill: A non-negotiable document, which can only be made out to a named consignee. No surrender of the document by the consignee is required. See also: Service Bill