Marine Cargo Claim Report Template
3 sections, 17 fields (15 required)
A structured report template for marine cargo insurance claims. Covers shipment documentation, container and cargo damage survey, and loss quantification for marine surveyors handling transit damage, shortage, and contamination claims.
What Is a Marine Cargo Claim Report Template?
A marine cargo claim report template is used by marine surveyors to document damage, shortage, or contamination of goods during transit by sea, air, rail, or road. It captures shipment details, survey findings, and loss calculations in a format that marine insurers and P&I clubs expect.
Marine cargo claims have unique documentation requirements compared to property or motor claims. You need bill of lading details, container condition notes, packing adequacy assessment, and precise quantification of damaged versus sound cargo.
This insurance survey reporting template works for all types of marine cargo losses: water damage, breakage, shortage, pilferage, contamination, and temperature-related damage during transit.
Why Use a Marine Cargo Template?
Shipment traceability
Fields for bill of lading, origin, destination, and invoice value create a clear chain of documentation for the cargo movement.
Damage categorization
Structured damage types (water, breakage, shortage, contamination, pilferage) help you classify the loss accurately for underwriter review.
Sound vs damaged valuation
Separate fields for sound value, damaged value, and salvage value support the standard marine loss calculation methodology.
Photo evidence integration
Photo upload fields for container condition, packing, and cargo damage create a visual record that strengthens the claim.
How to Use This Template
- 1
Review shipping documents and marine policy
Collect the bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and marine insurance certificate. Verify the coverage type (ICC A, B, or C) and confirm the shipment details match what is on the policy.
- 2
Inspect container or package condition
Examine the container or packaging for external damage, seal integrity, and signs of water ingress or rough handling. Note the container number, seal numbers, and any visible dents or holes.
- 3
Survey cargo damage and classify type
Open the container or packages and inspect the cargo. Classify the damage type: water damage, breakage, shortage, pilferage, or contamination. Separate damaged goods from sound goods for valuation.
- 4
Photograph damaged and sound goods
Take photos of the container exterior, interior packing condition, damaged goods, and undamaged goods side by side. These photos support the sound-versus-damaged comparison in your loss calculation.
- 5
Calculate loss using sound-minus-damaged method
Determine the sound market value of the goods at destination and subtract the realized value of damaged goods or salvage. Apply any policy deductible to arrive at the net loss figure.
- 6
Prepare survey report with salvage recommendations
Write the survey report with your findings, loss calculation, and recommendations for salvage disposal. Submit to the marine insurer along with all supporting documents and photos.
Template Sections & Fields
Tips for Effective Marine Cargo Surveys
Timing is critical in marine cargo surveys. Ideally, the survey should happen while the cargo is still at the port or warehouse before it is moved or mixed with other goods. Once cargo is relocated, it becomes much harder to establish the condition at arrival and link the damage to the transit period. If the consignee contacts you after the cargo has been moved, document the chain of custody carefully.
When surveying containerized cargo, always check the container seal numbers against the bill of lading. A broken or mismatched seal can indicate tampering and changes the nature of the claim from transit damage to potential pilferage. Photograph the seals before breaking them, and note whether the container had any ventilation plugs open or closed.
For perishable goods, temperature records from the container reefer unit are essential evidence. Request the temperature log from the shipping line and compare it against the required storage temperature for the cargo. A temperature excursion during transit, even a brief one, can cause spoilage that only becomes visible days later. Include the temperature data in your survey report.
Use This Template with FieldScribe AI
This template shows you the structure. FieldScribe AI brings it to life. Record voice notes at the claim site, snap geotagged photos, and let AI fill in the template automatically. Your report is generated in minutes instead of hours.