Master's protest

A master’s protest, or note of protest, is a sworn statement the master makes before a notary, consul, or other authority recording an event during the voyage that may give rise to a claim, such as heavy weather, cargo damage, or a casualty. It is made soon after arrival, often within 24 hours, and can be extended later with fuller detail. The protest is not conclusive evidence and proves nothing on its own, but it preserves a contemporaneous record, supports a general average declaration or a sea-peril defense, and is often required before underwriters or P&I clubs handle a claim.