N.Y. Gen. Bus. Law § 398

§ 398. Bills of lading to be issued by vessels transporting\nmerchandise within the state. It shall be the duty of the owner, master\nor agent of any vessel transporting merchandise or property between\nports of this state to issue to shippers of any lawful merchandise a\nbill of lading, or shipping document, or to sign a bill of lading or\nshipping document when presented by the shipper or his agent, stating,\namong other things, the marks necessary for identification, number of\npackages or quantity, stating whether it be carrier's or shipper's\nweight, and apparent order or condition of such merchandise or property\ndelivered to and received by the owner, master or agent of the vessel\nfor transportation, and such document shall be prima facie evidence of\nthe receipt of the merchandise therein described.\n