§ 1301. Definitions
When used in this chapter—
(a)
The term “carrier” includes the owner or the charterer who enters into a contract of carriage with a shipper.
(b)
The term “contract of carriage” applies only to contracts of carriage covered by a bill of lading or any similar document of title, insofar as such document relates to the carriage of goods by sea, including any bill of lading or any similar document as aforesaid issued under or pursuant to a charter party from the moment at which such bill of lading or similar document of title regulates the relations between a carrier and a holder of the same.
(c)
The term “goods” includes goods, wares, merchandise, and articles of every kind whatsoever, except live animals and cargo which by the contract of carriage is stated as being carried on deck and is so carried.
(e)
The term “carriage of goods” covers the period from the time when the goods are loaded on to the time when they are discharged from the ship.