It has been estimated that four-fifths of an carriage of goods by sea
are governed by the Hague Rules, properly known as the Convention for
the Unification of Certain Rules Relating to Bills of Lading, signed at
Brussels in 1924. The success of the Convention is wen recognised. Its
importance is self-evident and such that, notwithstanding its success,
it has been the subject of regular scrutiny with a view to improvement
and reform. Attention has focussed on various matters, among them two
central provisions which are the subject of this book. First to be
considered is article X concerning the legal scope of the Convention: to
which contracts for carriage under bills of lading does the Convention
apply? This question has caused much trouble, was debated by the C.
M. 1. for twenty years and was apparently settled by a new Conven- tion
signed at Brussels in 1968; but the solution may never come into force
as the entire Convention is currently being considered by the United
Nations with a view to reform of a different kind. The second part of
the book examines one of the fundamental duties in the Convention. The
ultimate duties of the carrier are duties of due diligence, diligence in
caring for cargo and diligence in preparing his ship for sea. It is the
latter duty that has been selected for detailed study.