What is a Notice of Readiness?

• A. Declaration by master or agent that the ship has arrived and is ready to load
• B. A cargo manifest
• C. A bill of lading
• D. An insurance certificate

Answer: (A)

A Notice of Readiness is the formal declaration by the ship’s master or his agent that the vessel has arrived at the loading port and is prepared to commence loading the cargo. This notice is used to trigger the start of the laytime window under a voyage charter, letting the charterer know that loading can begin within the agreed time frame. It is not a cargo manifest, a bill of lading, or an insurance certificate—the manifest lists the cargo, the bill of lading serves as the contract of carriage, and the insurance certificate proves coverage. Once the NOR is tendered and accepted according to the charter terms, the loading clock starts; if loading is delayed beyond the allotted laytime, demurrage charges may apply. The NOR is typically given when the vessel is in berth or otherwise able to load, with all prerequisites like cargo availability and berthing arrangements in place.