HARTER ACT-1893 1
HARTER ACT-1893 1 :
U.S. statute that voids clauses in ocean bills of lading which attempt to relieve the vessel owner of liability for loss or damage to cargo arising from negligence in loading, stowage, care and proper delivery or clauses that attempt to avoid or lessen the vessel owner obligations to exercise due diligence to provide a seaworthy vessel and crew for the carriage and delivery of cargo. It relieves a vessel owner of liability for errors in navigation or management of the vessel if the owner exercises due diligence to make the vessel in all respects seaworthy. The Harter Act still applies to carriage of goods not subject to COGSA, including the period before loading and after discharge. It applies to carriage between U.S. ports (e.g. U.S. mainland to / from Hawaii and/or Alaska) unless the bill of lading expressly makes COGSA applicable to such shipments.
