Time and tide wait for no agent

A ship agent arranged pilots for a tanker which was due to depart a terminal in the US. The agent was aware that due to the ship’s length a daylight departure was required as per the local pilot’s guidelines. This was arranged accordingly.

The agent then failed to notice that the tanker was also tide restricted and unfortunately the tide was not working in the agent's favour, and the ship was unable to depart at the arranged time – during daylight hours.

Due to the late notice of cancellation the pilots raised an invoice (which was for US$28,000). The operator immediately passed this to the agents for settlement as this was purely down to the agent’s error.

Over the years, ITIC has seen numerous claims against ship agency members in relation to issues with tidal, draft and air draft restrictions. Remember to check these properly and plan accordingly.