3.7 NOTICE OF READINESS

Many tanker masters tender notice of readiness (NOR), at the end of sea passage. That is not the correct time for tendering and masters who do so only demonstrate their ignorance of the correct procedure. The subject of NOR procedure has been the topic of at least two books. It is the owner's responsibility to discuss the NOR, delivery and layday provisions of the latest charter with the master so that he clearly understands the correct point at which NOR should be presented. A discussion of the various arrangements is beyond the scope of this book. The following is useful general guidance.
A tanker is ready to load cargo when moored alongside the berth indicated by the cargo orders, free of ballast (unless a SBT vessel or CBT which can load and discharge ballast concurrently) and ready to load cargo (with or without hoses connected). NOR, should be tendered to the terminal at that time. If prior to such times the ship is subject to hindrance in berthing, then the notice should be dated with the date and time when the hindrance began, regardless of the cause. If the ship is at anchorage, notice should be made by radio to the agents, requesting them to give shippers prompt written notice of the ships arrival and readiness to load.

Example of notice of readiness.

Shippers may object to receiving NOR when the hindrance is not due to their action or inaction (weather, tides, or awaiting pilot, tugs, availability of berth or officials). The master should advise shippers or their agents that the circumstances will be reported in his 'statement of facts' of the port call and that any demurrage or other claims will be settled in accordance with the charter party or other agreement.
Accordingly, the master should make no notation on the NOR regarding laytime or demurrage, or enter into any discussions whatever with shippers or their agents on that subject.
Enter the date and time the NOR was tendered ('time of NOR'), in the log book.