ABSTRACT
In a liability conscious world indemnities inevitably proliferate and are frequently regarded as the answer to every problem. Before offering an indemnity as a solution to a problem an indemnify or should consider carefully the wording of the indemnity and the exposure to liability that this precipitates. There are indemnities for allowing officers and crew to take wives to sea, which indemnities are as much to bring vital instructions to the attention of the parties concerned as to act as an indemnity in respect of all medical expenses which the wife may incur and against which the wife is required to take out appropriate insurance. Similar indemnities are usually required from livestock shippers for allowing a handler to travel with any livestock. Carriers would be well advised always to be on guard whenever requested to deliver goods without production of bill of lading, whether or not against a letter of indemnity as there will be requests based on mischievous action.
