Forgotten Pilot

A ship agent based in the USA was appointed by the owner of a ship due to arrive in Texas.

The agent ordered a pilot for Monday as instructed by the ship. The purpose of the ship’s visit was to take on additional crude oil that was loaded onto barges in Corpus Christi. There was a delay with the barges and this delay was advised by the barge owner to the agent. Therefore, it was clear to the agent that the pilot would not be needed. However, the agent forgot to cancel the pilot and the ship incurred the charges in any event. The owner made a claim in Texas for US$ 22,000. There was no defence and it was settled for US$ 17,000.