The Evolution of the Due Diligence Standard in Maritime Cargo Transportation Legal Relations: From Ancient Rome to the Present Day

The paper examines the evolution of the due diligence standard that a carrier must exercise when preparing a vessel for maritime transportation. It is emphasized that the term due diligence can be traced back to Roman times, originating from the Latin word diligentia that meant «care» or «prudence». In maritime transportation, due diligence should be considered both as an element of the proper fulfillment of the obligation to transport cargo by sea and as a basis for the carrier’s exemption from liability. Seaworthiness of a vessel is determined by three main parameters: the condition of the vessel and its equipment; the condition of the vessel’s crew; and the suitability of the vessel for transporting specific cargo. The author demonstrates how technological advancements affect the requirements for a vessel’s seaworthiness. The study identifies three ways in which technology can be integrated into the seaworthiness standard: codification in positive law; widespread adoption by carriers and recognition by courts as customary practice; and incorporation into contractual agreements between the parties.

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