§ 398. Bills of lading to be issued by vessels transporting
merchandise within the state. It shall be the duty of the owner, master
or agent of any vessel transporting merchandise or property between
ports of this state to issue to shippers of any lawful merchandise a
bill of lading, or shipping document, or to sign a bill of lading or
shipping document when presented by the shipper or his agent, stating,
among other things, the marks necessary for identification, number of
packages or quantity, stating whether it be carrier's or shipper's
weight, and apparent order or condition of such merchandise or property
delivered to and received by the owner, master or agent of the vessel
for transportation, and such document shall be prima facie evidence of
the receipt of the merchandise therein described.