ABSTRACT
The audit trail is vital to any aspect of the marine cargo management process. It is pointless for an export trader to make a consignment ready for shipment without maintaining any proper records of how the consignment was actually shipped, especially where the buyer arranges the overall shipment. In the age of increased levels of risk and [in]security, there is a far greater requirement for a high level of vigilance and compliance in the marine cargo sector, given the risk of terrorism and piracy, as well as marine accidents and mishaps. The planning of any maritime shipment is vital and requires a lot of attention.
