The judgment in The Rowan 1 considers2 the interpretation of an oil major approvals clause employing the phrase “tbook approved”, which is now frequently used in the chartering market. The judgment gives recognition to an aspect of the current system of approvals which (as far as the writer is aware) had not previously been dealt with by the courts.3 It will be submitted that such recognition is entirely right and proper. However, the interpretation which the court gave to the phrase “tbook approved” had the effect of converting an undertaking by the owners of Rowan about such approval letters into an undertaking about the condition of the vessel. It will be suggested that an alternative interpretation should be preferred.