Article III of the Hague-Visby Rules (and Article 3 of the Hague Rules) requires the Carrier to “…properly and carefully load, handle, stow, carry, keep, care for, and discharge the goods carried. “
This means the ship must maintain proper procedures in relation to the care of the cargo, including usual seamanlike practices such as operating ventilation systems properly and sounding bilges regularly, and must take any special measures that may be required for the care of particular commodities or items.
