What is the purpose of a Mate's Receipt in cargo documentation?

• A. It is the ship's cargo manifest.
• B. It confirms cargo on board and serves as the basis for issuing the Bill of Lading.
• C. It records cargo insurance details.
• D. It confirms payment of freight.

Answer: (B)

The Mate’s Receipt is a loading acknowledgment. It records that the cargo stated has been loaded onto the vessel, typically noting quantities and, in some cases, the apparent condition. This document confirms that the cargo is on board and provides the information used to prepare the Bill of Lading later. It is not the ship’s cargo manifest, it doesn’t record insurance details, and it doesn’t certify payment of freight. The Bill of Lading, not the Mate’s Receipt, ultimately governs the contract of carriage and title to the goods, with the Mate’s Receipt supplying the loading basis for its issuance.