Just before sailing, the chief mate informs the master that the cargo loaded is 4000 tonnes short of the charter party figure. What should the master do?

(1) Consult the stevedore, charterers, P&I club correspondent and owners. 

(The stevedore or charterers may be able to remedy the shortage). (2) If the missing cargo could not be provided, issue a Deadfreight Letter (deadfreight claim form) to charterers. (3) Note protest and make a record of this in the OLB.