Note of Protest

An NOP is where the Master of a Ship makes a declaration of ‘Protest’ under oath before a Notary Public, Magistrate or British Consul. The declaration often affects cargo damaged or suspected of having damage due to a ‘peril of the sea’. The main use of Protest in the UK is to support a cargo owner’s claim against his underwriters. The Note of Protest is admissible as evidence before legal tribunals in many countries, but not in the UK unless both parties agree. Masters should note Protest as soon after arrival in port and before ‘breaking bulk’. The master may extend ‘Protest’ once the situation has been further assessed and the full extent of damage is revealed.