AI Overview
The "Commercial Shipping Handbook" by Peter R. Brodie is a comprehensive guide to the terminology and practices involved in international shipping. Here is a detailed overview of the book:
Key Themes
Terminology and Definitions: The book provides concise explanations of over 1,250 commercial shipping terms, making it an essential reference for professionals in the field. It covers a wide range of topics, including documents used in international transport, generic types of ships and cargoes, and technical elements of shipping.
Documents and Contracts: It delves into the details of documents such as the bill of lading and charter-party, explaining their contents and different types. It also discusses clauses appearing in bills of lading, voyage charters, and time charters.
Organizations and Associations: The handbook covers the many organizations involved in international transport, including their objectives and roles in contract drafting and policy-making.
Chartering Terms: It provides an explanation of chartering terms, including their context and usage in different types of charters.
Technical Elements: The book includes discussions on technical elements relevant to the commercial operation of ships, such as tides and draughts.
Surcharges and Costs: It addresses the many extra costs and surcharges found in shipping, particularly in liner shipping.
Plot Summary
The book is structured as a reference guide with concise entries dealing with individual topics. It includes an alphabetical Table of Contents and an alphabetical index of over 1,250 terms, along with a list of over 200 abbreviations. This structure makes it easy for readers to locate specific information quickly.
Critical Reception
While there is no specific critical reception available in the sources provided, the book is generally described as an invaluable reference tool for anyone involved in international trade and shipping. It is praised for its logical and straightforward indexing, making it a practical guide for both practitioners and students of liner and tramp shipping.
Editions
The book has been published in multiple editions, with the third edition being particularly noted for its comprehensive coverage of commercial shipping terms and practices.
Availability
The book is available from various sources, including Routledge and American Nautical Services, Inc. However, the availability might vary depending on the edition and publisher.
In summary, "Commercial Shipping Handbook" by Peter R. Brodie is a definitive guide to the terminology and practices of international shipping, making it an essential resource for professionals and students in the field.