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Sarah Clements

What Boat Safety Equipment and Requirements Do I Need?
What Boat Safety Equipment and Requirements Do I Need? 1000 667 James Hallam

Whether you own and operate a boat, or you run a marina, the right safety equipment and procedures are vital for preventing and effectively responding to incidents on the water.

In this post we will list all of the essential safety equipment that every UK boater should have onboard.

For further information about keeping yourself, your passengers, and your vessel safe on the water, take a look at our guide to boat safety certificates.

What are the Most Common Boating Safety Risks?

There are a number of common risks to be aware of in and around boats, in particular:

  • You, a crew member, or a passenger falls overboard
  • Someone sustains an injury while onboard your vessel
  • A fire breaks out
  • Collisions with other vessels
  • Your engine breaks down, leaving you stranded

Essential Safety Equipment For All UK Boaters and Marinas

In the UK, the specific safety regulations that apply will depend on the size of the vessel, and its crew. In short, the bigger your boat, the more safety regulations you will have to meet.

Below we will list the essential safety equipment that all vessels of all sizes should consider having onboard, including:

  • Lifejackets
  • First aid kit
  • Navigational tools
  • Communication tools
  • Maintenance equipment

We’ll explore each of these in more detail below.

Lifejackets

Everyone onboard should have a properly fitting lifejacket, which should meet ISO 12402 safety standards. A good lifejacket will have additional safety features including lights and whistles for attracting attention.

You should also ensure your vessel has a lifebuoy or throwing line, in case someone falls overboard.

First Aid Kit

You should also routinely check your first aid kit to ensure that all materials are still in date, and you should replace or replenish items whenever necessary.

Navigational Tools

You will need charts, navigation books, a compass, binoculars, and a GPS device for navigating unfamiliar waters.

All vessels should be equipped with navigation lights too, even if you do not intend to sail after dark. At the very least, you will need a green starboard light, a red port light, and a white centre light, all of which should be visible from at least a mile away.

Communication Tools

A VHF radio is necessary for staying in touch with the shore, and with other vessels. For this, you will also need an MMSI number and an Ofcom licence.

If you do not have the means for a radio, you should still stock flares and other distress signals, so you can attract attention in the event of an emergency.

Maintenance Equipment

Depending on the type of boat you operate, you may need a toolkit for basic repairs, cleaning supplies, spare engine parts, and a bilge pump for removing excess water.

Ongoing maintenance can help you recover from engine failure and other incidents, while keeping everything clean can help prevent faults and fires.

How to Check Your Boat is Compliant With Safety Regulations

The specific safety regulations will also depend on the type of waterway in which you will be operating. Different organisations govern different waterways, and local regulations and restrictions also apply to some areas.

The following organisations govern UK boat safety equipment regulations:

When planning an excursion, check first what regulations apply to the waters you will be navigating. And remember that regulations will only list the minimum safety standards. For total peace of mind, and to prepare you for any situation, it pays to go beyond the minimum safety standards.

Boat Safety Equipment and Insurance

Finally, your insurer may also specify some essential safety equipment you need to keep onboard as a condition of your cover. If you are involved in an incident, they may reject your claim if they find you did not have certain items onboard, or if it transpires that you did not keep on top of essential cleaning or maintenance tasks.

Everard Insurance Brokers are the specialist marine trading division of accredited Lloyd’s brokers James Hallam Limited. We can help you ensure your boat meets all relevant safety standards, and we can help you access the specialist cover you need at a competitive price.

Find out more about our dedicated marine insurance services.

Cruise Ship Piracy: How to Prevent and Protect Vessels and Passengers
Cruise Ship Piracy: How to Prevent and Protect Vessels and Passengers 1000 660 James Hallam

 

Pirate attacks on cruise ships are relatively rare, but they remain a threat no cruise ship operator should ignore.

In this post we will list some examples of cruise ship piracy, before exploring how you can prevent pirate attacks and keep your vessel and your passengers safe.

How Common Are Pirate Attacks Against Cruise Ships?

Though pirate attacks against cruise ships do happen, they are relatively rare. Pirates are unlikely to target cruise ships for a number of reasons. They are large, they travel at high speeds, and they tend to travel through waters that are patrolled by naval forces. Plus, cruise ships tend to have advanced radar systems, meaning they would be able to detect any approaching pirates with ease.

In addition, pirates know that cruise ships tend to have multiple anti-piracy systems onboard, which would make an attack too risky. In 2011, the Spirit of Adventure was approached by pirates off the coast of Tanzania. The pirates seemed to observe the ship, but they left before taking any action. A spokesperson later said that, most likely, the pirates thought better of attacking once they got a good look at the ship’s security systems.

But pirates can be opportunistic. And if they suspect that a cruise ship will be unable to defend itself, they may attempt an attack. This is why all cruise ship operators should put measures in place to prevent and respond to pirate attacks, no matter how low the risk may be.

Examples of Cruise Ship Pirate Attacks

  • The hijack of an Italian cruise ship, the MS Achille Lauro, with with 97 passengers and hundreds of crew on board.
    Find out more about the Achille Lauro hijacking, Mediterranean Sea, 1985
  • The pirate attack of the Seaborn Spirit cruise liner, with 300 crew and passengers targeted off the Somali coast.
    Find out more about the Seabourn Spirit, Somalia, 2005
  • The attack on a German cruise ship sailing from Eygpt to Dubai with 492 passengers and a number of crew.
    Find out more about the MS Astor, Gulf of Oman, 2008
  • The pirate attack of an Italian cruise ship with almost 1,000 passengers on board, resulting in gunfire.
    Find oure more about the MSC Melody, Somalia, 2009

The pirates’ motives and methods varied in each of these cases. But usually when it comes to cruise ships, pirates will attempt to hijack the ship, using the passengers and crew as hostages.

However, most pirate attacks against cruise ships tend to be thwarted before the pirates can even get onboard. This means it is hard to gauge the pirates’ motivations: Whether they wanted to take control of the ship, or simply to steal valuables from guests.

How Do Cruise Ships Protect Themselves and Passengers Against Pirates?

Crew and Passenger Drills

Everyone onboard should know exactly what steps to take in the event of piracy. You can arrange for specialist training for your crew, and you can outline your piracy response procedures as part of your mandatory passenger safety drills.

Safety Procedures

When sailing through waters where there is a risk of a pirate attack, cruise ships should temporarily move all outdoor activities indoors. They should also aim to darken the ship’s lights at night, to make them less of a visible target for pirates.

In the event of an attack, all passengers should stay below decks, ideally in their cabins with their doors locked, until further notice.

Detection and Communication

Cruise ships should make use of their advance radar systems to detect potential piracy attacks as early as possible. You should also stay in constant communication with all other ships in the area, including the naval forces, and notify them of any emerging risks.

If all the ships in a body of water coordinate in this way, pirates will find it harder to approach vessels without warning, and to isolate vulnerable vessels for attack.

Onboard Deterrents

Cruise ships often make use of water cannons and acoustic weaponry to ward off attacks. During the attack on the MSC Melody in 2009, crew members also used pistols that were stored onboard to deter a pirate attack.

Certain maritime officials criticised this approach, saying that non-lethal weaponry would have been just as effective. Any cruise ship using live ammunition will need to ensure that all onboard firearms are registered, and that only trained and authorised crew members have access to them.

Is Your Cruise Ship Covered For The Risks of Piracy?

If your cruise ship will be travelling through a location with a risk of piracy, then you must ensure that your maritime insurance covers you for the increased risk. Your policy should include war risk insurance, which can protect against losses from acts of piracy, along with kidnap and ransom insurance (K&R) for you, your crew, and your passengers.

Everard Insurance Brokers is the specialist marine division of accredited Lloyd’s broker James Hallam Limited. We can help you secure comprehensive protection against piracy and related risks, to help you respond effectively to any incident at sea.

Learn more about our dedicated marine insurance services.

Beach Hut Spring Clean Checklist
Beach Hut Spring Clean Checklist 1000 666 James Hallam

A good spring clean will help you get your beach hut ready for the season. It will also help you stay on top of any maintenance or repairs that might be necessary following the winter.

In this post we will list the beach hut spring clean essentials. Be sure to check out our guides to keeping your beach hut safe and clean throughout the rest of the year too:

Why Regular Beach Hut Cleaning and Maintenance Matters

With the high winds, heavy rains, and low temperatures, winter can be a punishing time for beach huts. The sooner you take care of any repairs or renovation jobs, the less likely it is that you will have to face more serious repairs in the future.

Keeping your beach hut in good shape may also be a condition of your beach hut insurance. Your insurer may specify that you need to keep your hut in good condition. Failure to do so could ultimately invalidate your cover.

But above all, ongoing maintenance will help you ensure that your beach hut remains a clean and pleasant place to be all year round.

Beach Hut Spring Clean Checklist

Step 1: Look For Signs of Damage

First, you should thoroughly inspect your beach hut, inside and out, for any signs of damage from the winter.

Check the roof, doors, joints, hinges, and windows. Look for any signs of leaks, pests, or structural damage, and address all repairs, no matter how minor, as soon as possible.

Step 2: A Deep Clean Checklist

Now it is time to get your beach hut ready for the season:

  • Open all windows and doors to let the air in.
  • Sweep out any sand that may have found its way in, and dust all surfaces.
  • Wash all the walls, along with any fixtures or fittings.
  • Consider a fresh coat of paint, if it has been a while.
  • Add fresh coats of wood stain or sealer to any outdoor decking, if necessary.

Spring is also a good time to declutter. Look through all the furniture, fixtures, and other equipment you keep in your beach hut. Recycle or donate anything you no longer want or need, and consider getting some fresh items for the new year.

Step 3: Beach Hut Safety Checks For Spring

Finally, you could take the time to perform some essential beach hut safety checks:

  • Make sure all of the hut’s locks work, and replace or repair any components if you need to.
  • If your hut has any heating or electrical equipment, consider getting an official safety check to ensure that you will be able to rely on everything over the coming season.
  • Restock your hut with all the essential safety equipment, including a first-aid kit, a fire extinguisher, and sunscreen.
  • Add a smoke alarm or a burglar alarm, to help prevent losses from fires or break-ins.

Specialist Beach Hut Insurance From James Hallam

Finally, the start of the new year could be a good opportunity to review your beach hut insurance, to ensure you are still getting all the cover you need at a competitive price.

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who are committed to protecting your beach hut.

We provide a specialist beach hut insurance scheme at a competitive price. We are experts in the market, and we can help you get full cover for your hut, no matter its size or location, and no matter how you use it.

Learn more about our specialist beach hut insurance and get a free quote today.

How Travel Destinations are Changing Amid the Middle Eastern Conflict
How Travel Destinations are Changing Amid the Middle Eastern Conflict 1000 646 James Hallam

There has been ongoing conflict in the Middle East for some years now, but things escalated significantly in the first quarter of 2026. The entire region faces considerable unrest for the foreseeable future, which will obviously have an impact on the global travel industry.

However, rather than cancelling their travel plans outright, the majority of travellers instead seem to be switching their destinations.

In this post we will examine how travel destinations are changing amid the Middle Eastern conflict.

Behavioural Shifts Among Travellers Following the Middle East Conflict Escalation

The latest Globetrender Executive Travel Pulse survey provided some insights into how the Middle Eastern Conflict is changing travel preferences.

Among the travel industry executives they surveyed:

  • 34% reported cancellations
  • 12% reported shorter booking windows
  • 44% reported destination switching as the most pronounced behavioural shift among their customers

Please note that Globetrender surveyed North American travel executives. The most recent figures we could find referring to UK and EU travellers predated the latest Middle Eastern conflict. However, the trends among travellers across the world will likely tell a similar story, with travellers choosing new destinations rather than cancelling their trips outright.

How Are Travel Destinations Changing Amid the Middle Eastern Conflict?

What Qualities are People Looking for in Travel Destinations?

With the uncertainty of the conflict, travellers are looking at destinations that are:

  • Safer
  • Accessible
  • Reliable

In particular, they’re looking for destinations where there is less risk that a trip will be cancelled or delayed due to flight routing.

Which Destinations are Becoming More Popular?

The same survey also revealed the sort of destinations travellers are choosing over previously popular destinations:

  • 59% of travel executives have seen an increased demand for European destinations, particularly in Southern Europe.
  • 32% have seen increased demand for Latin American and Caribbean destinations.
  • 27% have seen an increased demand for UK and Ireland destinations.
  • 24% have seen an increased demand for North American destinations.

What Types of Travel Will be Most Affected?

Travel executives also believe that some segments will prove more resilient than others. The majority (76%) believe that luxury travel will prove largely unaffected by the conflict, followed by domestic travel (51%) and cruises (22%).

Budget travel, however, may take a hit. Only 2% of executives believe that the budget sector will be resilient, perhaps worrying for the future of all-inclusive resorts in Egypt, Turkey, and other countries.

How Travel Agents and Tour Operators Should Respond to Conflict in the Middle East

Travellers are not frantically cancelling or curtailing their trips in the face of conflict. However, they are looking for safer and more reliable destinations. As a travel agent or tour operator, you should simply continue to do what you always do: Give customers the trips and the experiences they are looking for.

  • Rethink Your Destinations – Southern Europe. Latin America. The Caribbean. Prioritise areas where your customers will feel safe, and where they can rely on as little disruption as possible.
  • Go Local – It is likely that some travellers will choose to avoid flying outright. 27% of travel executives reported an increased demand for UK and Irish destinations. Could you cater for this demand?
  • Be Aware of Wider Trends – The Middle Eastern conflict is not occurring in a vacuum. It is just one of many trends currently shaping the global travel industry. For example, another recent survey revealed that around 75% of travellers are looking for more sustainable travel experiences.

Specialist Insurance Services For Travel Agents and Tour Operators

At James Hallam, for over 35 years we have provided dedicated insurance services for travel agents and tour operators. Our tailored services can help you get the cover you need at a truly competitive price.

Find out more about our bespoke insurance services for travel agents and tour operators.

What is a Retroactive Date on Professional Indemnity Insurance?
What is a Retroactive Date on Professional Indemnity Insurance? 1000 664 James Hallam

If you are looking for a professional indemnity insurance policy, then it is vital to ensure that your insurance will cover you for any claims that may be brought against you. The policy’s retroactive date can determine whether or not you are covered for certain claims.

In this post we will explain what a retroactive date is on a professional indemnity insurance policy, and why it matters.

What is a Professional Indemnity Insurance Retroactive Date?

This is the date from which your insurer has agreed to cover you. A professional indemnity insurance policy should specify a retroactive date. Usually, the policy will cover you from the date you took out the insurance. However, some policies may specify an earlier retroactive date, or a later one.

How Does Your Retroactive Date Affect Claims?

Your policy will only cover you for claims arising from work you have undertaken, or advice you have given, after this specified retroactive date. So, when you are taking out a professional indemnity policy, it is crucial to ensure the retroactive date either includes the date you started your business, or the date on which you started a project or contract which may arise in a claim.

Different Types of Retroactive Dates on Professional Indemnity Insurance Policies

Your insurer may refer to your retroactive date in a number of ways:

  • Unlimited Retroactivity – This means that your policy will give you full retroactive cover. You will have cover for any claim you report during your policy period, even if the claim relates to work you carried out, or advice you gave, before you took out the policy. Unlimited retroactivity cover may also be referred to on your policy as “retroactive date: none”.
  • Specified Retroactive Date – Alternatively, your policy may include a specific retroactive date. As we mentioned above, this means you will only have cover for claims arising from work you have undertaken, or advice you have given, after this specified date. You will not be covered for any work you undertook before this date.
  • Retroactive Date Inception (RDI) – This simply means that your cover will commence from the date you took out the policy. You will not be covered for any work you began before you took out the policy.

Why Retroactive Dates Matter For New or When Switching Policies

You should be able to rely on your professional indemnity insurance policy to cover you for any claim your clients may make against you. A specified retroactive date, or an RDI policy, will be fine if your business is just starting out, or if you are getting cover for a specific contract or project.

However, if you are switching policies, or if you are purchasing PI insurance for the first time, then it is important to ensure that there are no gaps in your cover.

Alternative Retroactive Clause, and Avoiding Gaps in PI Cover

Some insurers are a bit more specific with their retroactive date clauses. They may specify that the retroactive date is the earlier date of:

  1. The date you first purchased this specific policy.
  2. The retroactive date specified on the PI insurance policy you had previous to taking out this specific policy.

In short, this means that the insurer expects you to provide evidence that you had professional indemnity insurance in place since you started trading. If you cannot provide this evidence, then your retroactive date will simply be the date you took out insurance from your current provider. This means they will not cover you for any claims arising from before this policy period.

You can contact your previous providers for evidence of your previous policies. But if this is your first PI policy, or if there are gaps in your cover, you can ask your current provider for an earlier retroactive date, or for unlimited retroactivity. Just bear in mind that this may result in higher premiums, and there may also be a one-off premium payment for this policy adjustment.

We Can Help You Ensure Your PI Insurance Covers You For All Claims

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who care about protecting your business.

Whether you are just starting out, or you are looking to switch providers, we can help you ensure that your PI insurance covers you for any claim that may be made against you, even if the claim is relating to work you commenced before you took out the insurance.

Learn more about our professional risks insurance services.

Sanctions Challenges in Marine Insurance: The Impact on Insurers, Brokers, and Maritime Clients
Sanctions Challenges in Marine Insurance: The Impact on Insurers, Brokers, and Maritime Clients 1000 563 James Hallam

Sanctions have become one of the most significant compliance challenges confronting the marine insurance industry. As global political pressures intensify and maritime trade continues to connect jurisdictions with conflicting regulatory frameworks, insurers and their maritime clients must navigate an increasingly complex environment. The marine sector is uniquely exposed: vessels cross borders daily, ownership and management structures frequently span multiple countries, and the financial ecosystem underpinning global shipping relies heavily on international banking channels.

In this context, sanctions risk is no longer a peripheral compliance matter—it is a central operational concern for underwriters, brokers, and shipowners.

The Compliance Burden on Marine Insurers

Marine insurers face substantial risk when dealing with sanctions, as even an inadvertent breach can result in severe penalties and lasting reputational harm. The challenge is compounded by the rapid pace at which sanctions evolve. A vessel, cargo owner, or charterer considered compliant at policy inception may become prohibited overnight. In a market characterised by long-tail policies and multi‑party supply chains, insurers must continuously monitor changing lists, advisories, and regulatory interpretations to ensure both legal compliance and contractual validity.

Payment flows pose another significant pressure point. Marine claims often involve international settlements between insurers, reinsurers, brokers, shipping companies, banks, and ports. Even when all insured parties are compliant, payments may still be blocked if a correspondent bank in the chain is sanctioned or if the transaction involves US dollars, which triggers US jurisdiction. This does not merely slow operations—it can temporarily or permanently prevent claim settlement, eroding trust between insurers and maritime clients who rely on timely recovery to maintain liquidity in vessel operations.

Screening processes, while essential, frequently generate excessive false positives. Variations in transliterated ship names, common surnames, or similar vessel identifiers often trigger alerts requiring human review. Marine insurers—who routinely handle complex submissions involving fleets, multiple assureds, and layered reinsurance structures—face significant workflow disruption as underwriting and claims teams sift through irrelevant alerts.

Another critical challenge arises from the opaque ownership structures typical in shipping. Vessels are frequently held through single‑purpose vehicles, flags of convenience, or offshore corporate arrangements designed for commercial flexibility rather than transparency. These structures can obscure the true identity of the ultimate beneficial owner (UBO) or controlling party. As regulators increasingly scrutinise indirect ownership and control, insurers must undertake deeper due‑diligence assessments than ever before, often across several layers of corporate entities.

The Impact on Shipowners, Charterers, and Maritime Clients

For shipowners and charterers, the consequences of sanctions compliance are immediate and operational. Insurance cover may be withdrawn with little notice if a ship, management company, or trading route suddenly becomes subject to sanctions. Even when the assured has no involvement with a sanctioned party, their ability to enter or exit certain ports, carry particular cargoes, or work with specific charterers may be curtailed, leaving them exposed to uninsured operational risk.

Maritime clients also face significant exposure through their trading partners. A fully compliant shipowner may find themselves unable to complete a voyage if a consignee, bunker supplier, or cargo owner becomes sanctioned mid‑transit. As sanctions regimes increasingly target sectors such as energy, metals, and maritime logistics, indirect exposure has become a routine business risk in shipping.

Financial transactions represent another area of vulnerability. The dominance of the US dollar in global shipping means that sanctions administered by OFAC can affect vessel operators even when no US entity is directly involved. A single US‑based intermediary bank can block a freight payment, charter hire, premium, or claim purely due to perceived sanctions risk. Delays in receiving freight or hire have immediate operational consequences for vessel owners, many of whom rely on predictable cash flow for bunker purchases, crew wages, and port fees.

The administrative burden on maritime clients has grown sharply as well. Insurers, brokers, and banks now require detailed information about ownership, management, voyage patterns, counterparty relationships, and cargo interests. While these checks are intended to protect parties on all sides, they lengthen underwriting timelines and may increase premiums where perceived sanctions exposure elevates the insurer’s operational risk.

Conflicting International Sanctions and the Marine Context

Marine insurance is inherently international, and the conflicts between different sanctions regimes create significant ambiguity. A vessel may legally trade under UK or EU rules but become immediately problematic if it enters a US port or requires a USD‑denominated settlement. Charterers, cargo owners, and insurers may be subject to different regulatory regimes based on domicile, creating complex compliance considerations with no universal interpretation.

This mismatch places marine insurers in a challenging position. Policy wordings must accommodate multiple legal systems, reinsurers may operate under different regimes, and claims handlers must assess the legality of a payment from the perspective of several jurisdictions simultaneously. As sanctions become more targeted—often focusing on specific ship types, cargo categories, or regions—these conflicts are likely to intensify.

Strengthening Risk Mitigation in Marine Insurance

To navigate this environment, marine insurers and clients must adopt proactive and rigorous compliance frameworks. Continuous monitoring of vessels, cargo interests, and corporate structures is essential, supported by technology capable of screening ship registries, AIS data, ownership records, and counterparty information in near real time. Enhanced due diligence—particularly around UBO identification—should be a standard component of underwriting and broking workflows rather than an occasional exercise.

Contractual clarity is equally important. Marine policies must articulate what happens if sanctions become applicable during the policy period, including implications for claims, coverage continuity, and termination rights. Clear drafting protects both insurer and assured and reduces the risk of disputes arising from sanctions‑triggered exclusions or cancellations.

Ultimately, effective sanctions compliance requires strong leadership engagement. In the marine sector—where commercial pressures can conflict with regulatory obligations—insurers, brokers, and shipowners must ensure that compliance is embedded at a strategic level. This not only mitigates legal risk but reinforces trust across the insurance value chain and strengthens market resilience in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.

Everard Insurance Brokers is the specialist marine division of accredited Lloyd’s broker James Hallam Limited. We can help you navigate the challenges of sanctions to ensure you get the marine insurance you need for your maritime operation.

Learn more about our dedicated marine insurance services.

 

Navigating the Superyacht Insurance Market: What It Takes to Place These Exceptional Risks
Navigating the Superyacht Insurance Market: What It Takes to Place These Exceptional Risks 1000 563 James Hallam

At Everard Insurance Brokers, we understand that the world of superyachts is one of the most specialised and demanding areas of marine insurance. With vessels frequently exceeding 60 metres, multi‑million‑pound build values, and increasingly sophisticated operational profiles, placing superyachts in today’s market requires technical expertise, precision, and a forward‑thinking approach to risk.

In a landscape shaped by tightening capacity, regulatory developments, and rapid growth in the size and complexity of modern yachts, our role as an independent broker is more important than ever. We advocate for our clients, analyse the market thoroughly, and deliver tailored solutions that reflect how each vessel truly operates.

Understanding the Superyacht Risk Landscape

Superyachts are luxury assets, but their operations often resemble those of commercial vessels; bringing a unique set of risks that require detailed understanding.

High Hull Values

Today’s new builds can exceed £200 million, and annual refit programmes can rival the budgets of small businesses. Insurers expect comprehensive documentation, from build specifications and maintenance histories to shipyard risk assessments.

Global Navigational Ranges

Whether cruising the Mediterranean, Caribbean, or remote expedition regions, each area presents its own challenges:

  • piracy exposure
  • weather‑driven CAT risk
  • differing regulatory and compliance requirements

Complex Crew Structures

Large, rotating crews—including specialist roles such as engineers, chefs, medical staff, and helicopter pilots—introduce significant P&I and employer liability considerations.

High‑Value Third‑Party Risks

Charter operations, VIP guests, and large‑scale onboard events increase liability exposures. Reputational and privacy risks continue to grow as well.

The Superyacht Market: Capacity, Conditions, and Carrier Appetite

Superyachts sit within a niche and specialist segment of the marine market, with London remaining a central hub for underwriting. However, capacity is fluid and influenced by:

  • recent loss activity (particularly fire, machinery, and refit‑related claims)
  • changes in reinsurance cost and availability
  • geopolitical developments impacting global cruising patterns

Underwriters are now more selective, with appetite influenced by vessel age, build yard, ownership structure, management approach, and operational profile. At Everard, we continue to:

  • monitor market appetite across insurers
  • maintain trusted relationships with specialist underwriters
  • anticipate shifts in pricing and capacity to secure the best possible outcomes

Preparing a Robust Submission: The Everard Advantage

A strong submission is essential for competitive pricing and robust coverage. Our focus is on clarity, transparency, and presenting a compelling narrative for each superyacht.

A high‑quality submission includes:

  • key vessel specifications: build details, materials, flag, classification
  • operational profile: cruising patterns, chartering, annual movements
  • crew details: qualifications, experience, training, and retention
  • management & maintenance: ISM compliance, refit schedules, professional oversight
  • claims history: context, lessons learned, and mitigation steps taken

A thoroughly prepared submission reduces underwriting queries and strengthens our negotiating position, ensuring the client’s vessel is represented accurately and favourably.

Risk Mitigation: Demonstrating Proactive Management

Superyacht owners and managers are increasingly focused on risk control—and insurers respond positively when this is evidenced clearly. We work closely with clients to highlight measures that materially influence market appetite, such as:

  • advanced fire detection and suppression technologies
  • professional yacht management structures
  • robust onboard cybersecurity controls
  • weather routing and voyage planning systems
  • structured crew training and competency programmes

Highlighting these measures often leads to broader coverage and more competitive terms.

The Art of Negotiation: Balancing Expectations With Market Realities

Superyacht owners expect a tailored, responsive service. Balancing these expectations with a market that is often cautious requires experienced negotiation and clear communication. This can include navigating:

  • increased deductibles
  • stricter policy wordings
  • heightened scrutiny for older vessels
  • insurer requirements during refits or yard periods

At Everard, we act not only as brokers but as trusted advisors, ensuring that coverage aligns with the vessel’s operational requirements and the owner’s long‑term plans.

Emerging Trends Shaping the Superyacht Market

Several developments are shaping the future of superyacht insurance:

  • Sustainability: hybrid propulsion systems, alternative fuels, and eco‑focused design
  • Expedition yachts: increasing voyages to challenging and polar environments
  • Digitalisation: enhanced connectivity increasing cyber and systems exposures
  • Mega‑builds: rising numbers of yachts over 100m stretching capacity and underwriting comfort

Understanding these trends allows us to provide forward‑thinking guidance and prepare clients for how the market is evolving.

Expertise Makes the Difference

Placing superyachts in today’s marine insurance market demands technical capability, strong insurer relationships, and a clear understanding of how each vessel is operated. As yachts continue to grow in size, complexity, and sophistication, the broker’s role becomes even more critical.

At Everard Insurance Brokers, we combine specialist knowledge with independent, and a client focused service, ensuring that every vessel we place is protected with confidence, clarity, and care, wherever in the world it sails.

Get in touch with our team of experts to discuss your specific superyacht insurance requirements.

 

How To Prevent Employee Theft in Retail
How To Prevent Employee Theft in Retail 1000 667 James Hallam

We recently published a guide to preventing theft from shops. In that guide, we focused on addressing theft from shoplifters. In this post, we will take a closer look at employee theft – why it happens, and how to prevent it.

Understanding the Impact of Employee Theft in Retail

According to research by Retail Economics and Thruvision, employee theft accounts for around 40% of all thefts experienced by UK retailers, which could account for a loss of about £3.2 billion a year.

But employee theft will have some added costs beyond the financial losses. It can affect morale, and lead to a culture of mistrust and suspicion among staff. It can lead to disciplinary actions and legal procedures, which will disrupt your operations, while increasing staff turnover and recruitment costs.

Plus, if word gets out that your business is having a problem with employee theft, then it could damage your reputation. After all, if you cannot keep your own stock safe, then who knows what else you are overlooking? This could affect your ability to attract suppliers, and it may even make some customers reluctant to buy from you.

Common Causes of Employee Theft

Why would an employee steal from their employer? For any number of reasons, including:

  • Financial Hardships – If an employee is struggling outside of work, they may be tempted to steal from the till, the shop floor, or the stockroom, to help make ends meet.
  • Resentment – If your employees are not happy in their jobs, or if there are poor relationships between staff and management, then employees may turn to theft as an act of protest.
  • Opportunism – Sometimes, the opportunity to steal might just be too great to resist. If an employee is handling a large amount of cash, and they notice that there is nobody around, then they might think: “Who’s going to miss the odd note or two?”
  • External Pressure – If you do not address employee theft in your shop, a negative workplace culture could take hold, and some employees may find themselves driven to theft as a result of peer pressure. Or worse, employees might get pressured by outside forces, such as criminals, to lift cash or stock from the premises.

How To Prevent Employee Theft in Your Shop

There are a number of actions you can take to help prevent theft in your shop including:

  • Employee Screening – Conduct thorough background checks on all of your new hires, particularly if their role will involve handling cash, or if it will give them access to high value stock.
  • Employee Training – During induction, make it clear to staff that you take a zero tolerance approach to theft, but be sure to explain why, highlighting how employee theft harms everyone.
  • Security Measures – All of the systems that can help prevent shoplifting can also help prevent employee theft: CCTV, thorough stock management procedures, mirrors to eliminate blindspots, security tagging, and so on. You should also implement strict controls on who can handle cash, with robust security procedures for doing so.
  • Anonymous Reporting – If a staff spots another employee stealing stock or money, they may be reluctant to report the incident, as they might be wary of reprisals. But if you allow for anonymous reporting systems, staff can report incidents in total peace of mind that they will not face any direct retaliation.
  • Staff Support – Finally, we mentioned above how unhappy or dissatisfied staff may turn to theft. With regular performance reviews, you can identify any possible sources of discontentment as early as possible, while also helping to build trust between managers and employees.

Get The Right Cover For Your Shop

A comprehensive retail insurance policy will not prevent employee theft. But it can give you the cover you need to bounce back from any major disruptions or significant losses.

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who care about protecting your shop. Whether you run an online store, a single high street shop, or a chain of shops, we can help you get the cover you need at a price you can afford.

Find out how we can help your shop today.

 

 

Hotel Fire Risk Assessment: What To Include
Hotel Fire Risk Assessment: What To Include 1000 667 James Hallam

We recently published a guide to some of the emerging risks that hotels must contend with in the coming years. Yet no matter what challenges the next few years bring, there is one risk that hotels will always have to contend with: Fire.

In this post we will explore the fundamentals of a hotel fire risk assessment plan, to help you understand and mitigate the fire hazards in your hotel.

Hotel Fire Risk Assessment: Understanding The Risks

When it comes to fire, hotels and B&Bs are considered high risk premises. This is because of the presence of temporary guests who will not be familiar with the building’s layout and fire safety procedures.

The building’s fire safety systems will need to be capable of alerting multiple people at the same time – many of whom may be asleep – while helping them to navigate an unfamiliar environment to safety.

The fire safety plan must also account for how some guests may have certain mobility impairments. Plus, some may not speak English, and some may be under the influence of alcohol.

Because of these unique risks, The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 specifies that any building where guests sleep for payment must have a written fire risk assessment in place, which must be reviewed regularly. This extends to hotels, guest houses, B&Bs, hostels, and serviced apartments.

What To Include In Your Hotel Fire Risk Assessment

  • Identify All Possible Fire Hazards – Depending on your facilities, this might include kitchens, laundry facilities, and electrical systems. You should also factor in accidental fires caused by guests (due to appliances they bring with them, and discarded cigarettes), along with the risk of arson.
  • Identify Who is At Risk – Beyond your guests, you will also have to account for the safety of your staff, to contractors and delivery drivers, and to members of the public who might be visiting the premises temporarily – such as those who eat at your restaurant without staying the night.
  • Outline Your Existing Fire Precautions – What have you currently got in place to alert staff and guests, to help them evacuate, and to contain or control a fire outbreak? This might include fire alarms, emergency signage and lighting, fire doors, and firefighting equipment.

How to Devise Your Action Plan

Once you understand your risks, and the measures that are currently in place to address them, you might identify some areas for improvement. This might include:

  • Ongoing staff training, to ensure they understand the risks, and the actions they are to take if an alarm is raised.
  • Routine inspections of your fire safety equipment, and replacement of any perishable items as often as necessary.
  • Specifying who is responsible for every action, with a target completion date for any changes or improvements you wish to make.
  • Reviewing your action plan at least once a year, or immediately following any fires or alarms (even if they are false alarms). You should also review your plan should you ever make any changes to your hotel building or operations.

Other Risks For Hotels

Beyond our guide to the emerging risks for hotels, you will find a number of guides on our site to help you understand and mitigate the various risks associated with running a hotel business:

Get the Tailored Hotel Insurance You Need

Specialist hotel insurance can cover your hotel against many of the risks you will face, including fire risks.

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance brokers. No matter if you are running a large or a small hotel, we can tailor a niche insurance package to ensure you are covered for all risks at the best possible price.

Find out how we can help you today.

Gym Risk Assessments: Hazards in a Gym to Mitigate
Gym Risk Assessments: Hazards in a Gym to Mitigate 1000 640 James Hallam

Gym risk assessments are essential for keeping your staff and your members safe from the many hazards present in health and fitness facilities. In this post we will outline the fundamentals of a gym risk assessment, including your legal duty to keep people safe.

You Have A Legal Duty To Manage Risk In Your Gym

Under the Health and safety at Work Act etc. 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, if you own or operate a gym you have a legal duty to assess and manage all health and safety risks.

A gym risk assessment will help you understand all the potential hazards in your gym, and who is at risk. It will also help you identify your current capacity to manage these risks, along with any new measures you should introduce to help keep people safe.

Gym Risk Assessment Basics

How to Identify The Hazards in a Gym

The first step of any risk assessment is to identify all the potential hazards in your gym.

These might include:

  • Environmental Hazards – Such as slippery or uneven floors, poor lighting, trailing cables, blocked walkways and emergency exits, and issues with noise levels, temperature, and ventilation. You should also consider hygiene hazards from contaminated or poorly maintained equipment and facilities, and chemical hazards from improper use or storage of cleaning equipment.
  • Equipment Hazards – Staff and customers alike could injure themselves through inappropriately moving or using equipment. If any of your equipment is damaged or faulty, then it could cause injuries even if people do use it correctly.
  • Fire Hazards – Identify all possible sources of fires, paying particular attention to your electrical equipment. Also identify your current means of detecting and managing fire outbreaks, and your current means of alerting staff and customers, and helping them evacuate.

How to Identify Who Is At Risk

For every hazard you identify, you should specify exactly:

  • Who might be harmed
  • How they might be harmed
  • How likely it is that they will be harmed

Beyond your staff and your customers, think about other members of the public who may visit your premises, including contractors, delivery personnel, and emergency services staff.

Ways to Mitigate Risks in a Gym

Once you have determined the hazards in your gym, along with who is at risk, and the possible severity of the harm, it is time to determine the precautions you are going to take to mitigate these risks:

  • Ongoing staff training, to help them understand all the hazards, along with the procedures they will follow in the event of an incident.
  • Adequate staff-to-member ratios, so that your staff can identify and respond to any emerging situations as early as possible.
  • Thorough induction processes for all new members, along with routine refresher sessions for more experienced members.
  • Regular cleaning and maintenance schedules for all equipment, with a procedure for removing, repairing, or replacing any faulty or damaged equipment the moment you spot an issue.
  • A thorough cleaning schedule for the whole gym environment, so as to clear areas of trip hazards while addressing any potential health issues arising from poor hygiene practices.
  • Environmental controls, including ensuring there is adequate space between equipment to avoid collisions and overcrowding, while also addressing noise levels, temperature levels, and ventilation issues.
  • Emergency protocols, including the availability of first aid and defibrillator kits, and ensuring that your staff know how to use them. You should also have a fire response plan in place, and you might also consider drilling your staff on responding to aggressive members, or potentially violent situations.

Special Measures and Additional Risks For 24 Hour Gyms

If your gym is open round the clock, then you might have to consider some additional risks. For example, there will likely be times when your gym will be unsupervised. It is therefore vital that all members know how to take care of themselves when they are using the gym out of hours, including the procedures for responding to emergency situations.

You can read our full guide to risk management for 24 hour gyms.

Your Written Gym Risk Assessment

Ultimately, your gym risk assessment will need to be a written document which clearly outlines every hazard you have identified, and how you intend to manage them. It should also specify who is responsible for carrying out every action you have proposed, along with a target completion date for every improvement you wish to make.

You should aim to review your risk assessment at least once a year, or immediately following any incidents – even if these incidents were just “near misses”.

Keep Good Records And You Could Save On Your Insurance

As we mentioned above, you have a legal duty to assess and manage all health and safety risks in your gym. Good record keeping is essential. But beyond keeping your staff and members safe, your risk assessment process could ultimately benefit you in other ways too.

If you can evidence your gym’s risk management procedures, you may be able to make a saving on the cost of your gym insurance.

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with access to a hand-picked selection of A-rated insurance providers. We can help you understand the unique risks you face as a gym, and we can show you how to properly evidence your risk management procedures in order to access specialist at a competitive price.

Find out how we can help you today.

 

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