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ABS / American Bureau of Shipping

A U.S.-based private classification, or standards setting society for merchant ships and other marine systems.

Act of God

An act beyond human control, such as lightning, flood, hurricane or flood.

Act of Man

In water transportation, the deliberate sacrifice of cargo to make the vessel safe for the remaining cargo.

Ad Valorem

Latin for "according to the value." (1) An ad valorem duty is an import duty based on the value of an article as defined in the customs law of a particular country, rather than on weight or volume. A percentage of that value is charged, for example, 5% ad valorem. (2) A freight rate set at a certain percentage of the value of an article is known as an ad valorem rate

Admeasurement

The confirmed or official dimensions of a ship.

Admiralty Court

A court having jurisdiction over maritime questions pertaining to ocean transport, including contracts, charters, collisions, and cargo damages.

Admiralty (Adm.)

Refers to marine matters such as Admiralty Court.

Advising Bank

A bank operating in the exporter's country that handles letters of credit for a foreign bank by notifying the exporter that the credit has been opened in his favor.

Affreightment, Contract of

An agreement by a ocean carrier to provide cargo space on a vessel at a specified time and for a specified price to accommodate an exporter or importer who then becomes liable for payment even though he is later unable to make the shipment.

Agency Agreement

An agreement whereby the ocean carrier appoints the carrier agent and defines the specific duties and areas of responsibility of that agent.

Alongside

A phrase describing the side of a vessel.

AMS

The U.S. Customs’ “Automated Manifest System”

Amidships

Generally speaking, the middle portion of a vessel.

Anti-Trust Exemption

The immunity from prosecution under the Sherman Act, granted to steamship companies in 1916, in recognition of the special services and value American Flag merchant vessels provide in the defense of the country in time of war.

Arbitration Clause

A standard clause to be included in the contracts of exporters and importers, as suggested by the American Arbitration Association. It states that any controversy or claim will be settled by arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association.

Articles of Agreement

The document containing all particulars relating to the terms of agreement between the Master of the vessel and the crew. Sometimes called ship's articles, shipping articles.

ASBA

American Shipbrokers Association

Astern

A backward direction in the line of a vessel's fore and aft line; behind. If a vessel moves backwards it is said to move astern; opposite to ahead.

At Sea

In marine insurance this phrase applies to a ship that is free from its moorings and ready to sail.

Automated Commercial System (ACS)

The electronic system of the U.S. Customs Service, encompassing a variety of industry sectors, that permits on-line access to information in selected areas.

Automated Manifest System (AMS)

The electronic system allowing a manifest inventory to be transmitted to the U.S. Customs Service data center by carrier, port authority, or service center computers.

AutoPort

Reference to the Port of Brunswick’s Colonel’s Island Terminal AutoPort Facility. Brunswick ranks as one of the fastest growing, environmentally clean RoRo facilities in North America.