Signed under protest. If charterers or shippers object to the insertion of a certain clause in the bills of lading, the master may sign the bills of lading under protest.
The words “signed under protest” affect the master’s signature so that it cannot be produced as evidence.
Should there be any serious doubt as to the correctness of the quantity or weight inserted in the bills of lading, it is necessary to include the qualification “signed under protest” in the bills of lading, or to have an official protest drawn up. Alternatively, the master may give to the other side a “letter of protest”.
