What are lay days?

   Lay Days is a maritime law term designating the stipulated number of days granted to the charterer of a vessel for shipping or unloading cargo, during which time no charge may be made for wharfage. The sum charged for days ini excess of the number allowed ir. the charter is called demurrage and its amount is usually fixed in the charter. The period of lay days begins at the arrival of the vessel ir port, and, in the absence of custom or agreement to the contrary, includes Sundays. It, maritime insurance lay days also designate a period, commonly limited to 30 days, for which rebate of insurance may be demanded while a ship has remained idle and without fires at a dock.