Legal Definitions - turnover duty

Definition: Turnover duty is a legal obligation of a shipowner to ensure safe working conditions and to inform the stevedores and longshoremen of any hidden dangers related to the instruments and areas that are handed over to them while the ship is being loaded or unloaded. This duty is also known as the shipowner's responsibility to provide a safe working environment for the workers.

Example: Suppose a shipowner hires a stevedore to load and unload cargo from their ship. The shipowner must ensure that the stevedore is aware of any potential hazards on the ship, such as slippery decks or unstable cargo. If the stevedore is injured due to a hidden danger that the shipowner did not disclose, the shipowner may be held liable for the injury.

Explanation: The example illustrates how the shipowner's turnover duty requires them to provide a safe working environment for the stevedores and longshoremen. The shipowner must inform the workers of any potential hazards related to the instruments and areas that are handed over to them. This duty is essential to ensure the safety of the workers and prevent accidents and injuries.