(1)  Subject to this section, this Act applies –

(a) in relation to a sea-carriage document in the form of a data message, in the same way as it applies in relation to a written sea-carriage document; and

(b) in relation to the communication of a sea-carriage document by means of a data message, in the same way as it applies in relation to the communication of a sea-carriage document by other means.

(2)  This Act applies under subsection (1) , with necessary changes and in accordance with procedures agreed between the parties, to the contract of carriage.

(3)  Without limiting the generality of subsection (2) , in this Act, in the application of the following terms to a sea-carriage document in the form of a data message, or to the communication of a sea-carriage document by means of a data message:

delivery includes any form of communication which constitutes delivery under the terms of the contract of carriage;

endorsement includes any form of authorisation which constitutes endorsement under the terms of the contract of carriage;

possession , in relation to the document, includes being in receipt of the document in any manner which constitutes possession under the terms of the contract of carriage;

signed includes authenticated in any manner which constitutes signing under the terms of the contract of carriage.