OPTIONAL STOWAGE
1. The Goods may be stowed by the Carrier in Containers or similar articles of transport used to consolidate Goods.
2. Goods stowed in Containers other than flats or pallets, whether by the Carrier or the Merchant, may be carried on or under deck without notice to the Merchant. Goods (other than livestock) whether carried on deck or under deck shall participate in general average and shall be deemed to be within the definition of Goods for purposes of the Hague Rules, Hague-Visby Rules or COGSA, as the case may be.
3. If Goods not in containers are carried on deck, the Carrier shall so state such carriage on the face hereof. When Goods in containers are stowed on deck, the Carrier shall not be required to specially note, "on deck" carriage on the face of this Bill of Lading, any custom to the contrary notwithstanding.