Section 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.