Key takeaways
- Establish commencement before counting intervals.
- Keep factual events separate from counting decisions.
Label each interval
Create a worksheet with an event interval, evidence reference, proposed treatment and explanation. This lets another reviewer see why time was included or excluded instead of receiving only a final total.
- Identify the relevant commencement provisions and readiness evidence.
- Divide the event record into intervals where circumstances change.
- Apply the agreed wording and mark disputed treatment explicitly.
An interruption during cargo work should be logged even if the parties disagree about its effect. Recording the event does not concede whether that interval counts.
For a fictional disputed stoppage, keep both proposed treatments on separate worksheet lines. Label their assumptions so a reviewer can compare the alternatives without changing the original event record.
Common mistakes
Do not assume that all waiting time counts or that all interruptions are excluded. Avoid letting spreadsheet defaults silently decide an issue that requires contractual interpretation.
Where Zeaclub fits
Zeaclub provides a multi-party shared workspace for owners, charterers, brokers and port agents.
Zeaclub offers digitalised procedures across the voyage workflow.
Explore Zeaclub
Educational information only; not legal, financial or trading advice. Contract wording and applicable rules control. Verify current requirements and obtain qualified advice before acting.
Frequently asked questions
Does laytime always begin at arrival?
No. Commencement depends on the agreed provisions and relevant events.
Is a statement of facts enough?
It supplies evidence, but the counting rules come from the contract.
Should disputed intervals disappear from the worksheet?
No. Show the disagreement and its effect on the calculation.
Can a calculator interpret every clause?
No. Qualified review is needed for ambiguous wording or contested circumstances.