At the same time as radical advances in computer technology are taking place, the transport industry has itself been making great strides technologically.1 It was the development of containerization that led to the introduction of electronic data interchange into the world of shipping documentation. Computers provide the most accurate methods of record-keeping and communication of information in respect of very large numbers of containers. Containerized goods are rarely sold at sea. They are often carried from one sister company to another. Thus, there is no need for a document of title to be issued for them. Such voyages are often very short so that the use of bills of lading, which have to be sent to and presented at the discharge port, leads to delay in delivery. A sea waybill is the best form of documentation for such a trade as it does not have to be produced before delivery of the goods is effected. In these circumstances the use of computerized waybills has become widespread. The initial booking information is given to the carrier by the shipper’s computer. The sea waybill is issued by the carrier’s computer and need never take the form of a piece of paper. Delivery instructions are given by computer. These developments have increased the speed at which business can be done and the accuracy of the information passing between those involved. Sea waybills are the most popular form of transport document in the modem shipping world in part because their absence