In Free In and Out (FIO), who is responsible for loading and discharging?

• A. Charterer load and discharge
• B. Owner load and discharge
• C. Charterer load only
• D. Charterer discharge only

Answer: (A)

In Free In and Out, the charterer is responsible for loading and discharging the cargo at the ports. This term places the costs and arrangements for stevedoring, handling, and related port operations on the charterer, while the shipowner provides the vessel and crew and handles seaward navigation and safety. So cargo handling—for both loading and discharge—falls to the charterer. The other options would imply the owner bears those port-handling responsibilities or split them, which is not how FIO is defined.