Ownersโ agents. If the consignment clause in a charterparty provides for charterersโ agents to be employed at ports of loading or discharge, it is in ownersโ interests to appoint their own agents who can assist the matter in any controversy which may arise. Ordinarily charterersโ agents will protect their principalsโ interests first and ownersโ interests second. Should difficulties arise, the master should be in a position to apply to ownersโ agents who are familiar with the custom of the port. Ownerโs agents may be called โprotecting agentsโ.