Ship Protests

With some 90% of imports to the United Kingdom coming to our shores by sea, in quite often hazardous conditions it is not surprising that accidents or commercial issues arise.

As a notary public, I can in some instances be required to note and certify transactions relating to negotiable instruments, and to draw up protests or other formal papers relating to occurrences on the voyages of ships and their navigation as well as the carriage or cargo in ships. Shipping protests and the associated forms of a so called “protest of bills of exchange” are, by international convention and commercial practice, an accepted notarial act as such. This usually requires my attendance in ports onboard ships or other port facilities.

In my role as a notary public I can record evidence of any fact or event, what it was, when it happened and where it happened. This can include recording of fears or expectations such as when goods in transit were damaged before “control” of the goods changed, and of course there are many other similar situations where I can assist in the formal record keeping or in the protest process.

With over 20 years of maritime experience I may also be able to assist in other aspects of the registration process, financing, sale and purchase of ships.