Marine

P&I Clubs are indispensable to the maritime industry. They play a crucial role in offering comprehensive liability coverage, financial security, and expert support, which enables shipowners and operators to manage risks effectively and maintain compliance in an increasingly complex regulatory environment.

What is a P&I Club?

Protection and Indemnity Clubs, commonly known as P&I Clubs, are mutual insurance associations that provide liability cover to shipowners and operators. Unlike commercial insurers, they are owned and controlled by their members  so they operate on a mutual, non-profit basis.

Surplus funds are returned to members or used to reduce future premiums. Collectively, P&I Clubs participate in pooling arrangements and excess of loss reinsurance programs, which allow them to share large claims and secure additional protection against catastrophic losses.

How Do P&I Clubs Work?

The fundamental principles of P&I Clubs are:

• Mutual ownership
• Risk pooling
• Non-profit operation

Members share the costs of claims and expenses, creating a system that is both collaborative and cost-effective.

What Cover Do P&I Clubs Offer?

Coverage provided by P&I Clubs is extensive and tailored to the unique risks of maritime operations. It includes liabilities for:

• Cargo loss or damage
• Collision damage to other vessels or property
• Injury or death of crew and passengers
• Environmental damage such as oil spills
• Wreck removal costs
• Fines and penalties imposed by authorities
• Legal expenses associated with defending clams or pursuing recovery

How Are P&I Clubs Run?

Governance within P&I Clubs is typically managed by a board of directors or a management committee.

This board sets the club’s strategic direction and ensures operations align with the interests of its members. It is usually composed of representatives from member shipowners or operators and industry experts in maritime law, insurance, and shipping. Boards often also include independent directors who provide external perspectives.

The board’s responsibilities include overseeing risk management policies, making investment decisions, and maintaining strong relationships with members to ensure the club delivers value and meets their needs.

Key Benefits and The Role of P&I Clubs in Global Shipping

Covering Liability for Third Party Damage in Collisions
P&I Clubs specialise in handling third-party liabilities, including collision claims, which often involve complex negotiations and legal considerations.

Traditionally, Hull & Machinery policies include three-fourths collision liability as part of their basic form. However, in practice, this provision is usually transferred from the hull policy to the P&I Club.

By moving this coverage to the P&I Club, shipowners benefit from:

• The club’s expertise in managing such liabilities
• Its ability to provide security and support during claims handling

Under this arrangement, the P&I Club covers the member’s liability for damage to another vessel following a collision, excluding the insured vessel’s own damage, which remains under the hull policy. This division ensures that collision liabilities are managed by the party best equipped to handle third-party claims and associated legal complexities.

Financial Stability and Flexibility
Financial contributions from members are made through calls, which are premiums used to fund claims and operating costs. These include:

• An estimated total cost paid at the start of the policy period
• Supplementary calls if additional funds are required
• Release calls when a member leaves the club

Policy years typically close after thirty-six months. This structure ensures flexibility and financial stability while maintaining transparency for members.

Claims Handling
Beyond insurance coverage, P&I Clubs play a vital role in claims handling and member support. They:

• Manage claims on behalf of members
• Negotiate settlements
• Provide guidance on operational safety and regulatory compliance

Their expertise in maritime law and insurance, combined with their global network (often through the International Group of P&I Clubs) offers members access to resources and knowledge worldwide.

Trade Security and Dispute Management
Another important function of P&I Clubs is providing security to facilitate trade and manage claims. They can help members release detained vessels or cargo, minimize financial impact, and manage disputes effectively by offering:

• Letters of undertaking
• Bonds or guarantees
• Cash deposits

Everard Insurance Brokers has long-standing relationships with both P&I Clubs and fixed-price insurers, ensuring clients receive tailored solutions that meet their operational needs.

Find out how we can help you today.

In addition to P&I Clubs, our future blogs will include topics such as Freight, Demurrage and Defence (FD&D) protection.

Cybersecurity cover is an essential insurance product for all businesses in the marine industries.

In this post, we’ll outline what marine cyber insurance is, what it covers, and how you can determine if you have the right level of protection. If you already have marine cyber insurance, how can you tell if it’s enough?

Cyber Threats for the Marine Industries

There are a number of cyber threats to the marine industry, with cyber criminals often targeting:

• Onshore maritime IT systems or onboard OT systems.
• Data breaches which could expose sensitive information such as accounts, crew lists, staff rotas, and payroll details. Criminals might sell this data for profit or encrypt it as part of a ransomware attack.
• Onboard systems, including PLCs, SCADA, GPS, and remote engine or cargo controls. If attackers gain control of these systems, they could disrupt operations and cause significant damage.

Even a small cyberattack can lead to staggering costs and reputational harm. This is why all maritime businesses should take cybersecurity seriously.

You can read our full guide to marine cyber security threats.

What Can Marine Cyber Insurance Cover?

Marine cyber insurance can protect you against financial losses resulting from a cyberattack. Coverage may include:

• Data breaches and data loss
• Extortion – for example, following a ransomware attack
• Physical damage – to vessels and other assets
• Loss of hire – covering downtime caused by a cyber incident

It can also cover your response to an attack, including expert support to contain the breach and outreach to notify clients or crew members of a data compromise.

For more information, read about our dedicated marine insurance services.

Do You Have Cybersecurity Cover?

According to DNV’s Maritime Cyber Priority report, only 40% of surveyed marine organisations invest sufficiently in IT and cybersecurity.

You might already have some form of cyber cover. But given the scale of the threat, underinsurance is a serious risk. Assess whether you have specialist cover for all potential scenarios.

Is Cybersecurity Required For Seaworthiness – An Overlooked Aspect?

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) treats cybersecurity as a core safety requirement. A cyberattack can disable critical digital systems for navigation, propulsion, and cargo management.

As a result, IMO may consider any vessel without adequate cyber protection as unseaworthy. This could invalidate other marine insurance policies, as insufficient cyber measures may demonstrate a failure to secure your digital infrastructure.

Under current IMO rules, every vessel must include a thorough cyber risk management process as part of its Safety Management System (SMS). The ISM Code outlines a five-step approach: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. Marine cyber insurance plays a vital role in the response and recovery stages, making it a key component of risk management.

How to Ensure You Have the Right Level of Cybersecurity Cover

• Check the policy wording – Ensure it specifies what’s covered and any exclusions. Coverage for response and recovery is as important as financial loss protection.
• Check the limits – Confirm whether the limits are sufficient for potential losses and downtime.
• Talk to an insurance broker – A specialist broker can assess your unique risks and secure the right cover at the right price, avoiding both underinsurance and unnecessary costs.

Specialist Cyber Insurance for Marine Businesses

Everard Insurance Brokers are the specialist marine division of accredited Lloyd’s brokers James Hallam Limited. We can help you secure comprehensive protection against cybersecurity risks, whether onshore or at sea.

Learn more about our dedicated marine insurance services.

If you ship goods internationally, then you should consider war risk cover as part of your marine insurance package. In this post, we outline what marine war insurance is, what it covers—including derelict mines and weapons of war—and why it matters.

What Is Marine War Risk Insurance?

Marine war risk insurance provides protection against risks arising from war, conflict, terrorism, and piracy. It is a vital extension to standard marine insurance, especially for operators navigating high-risk or politically unstable regions.

This type of insurance can apply to all types of marine operations—from single-vessel owners to large international fleets—and covers a wide range of vessels, including:

• cargo ships
• tankers
• fishing boats
• passenger ferries
• private yachts

Note: The Joint War Committee (JWC), a body of Lloyd’s and IUA underwriters, designates official war risk zones (JWC Listed Areas), which are critical in determining coverage and premium implications.

What Does Marine War Risk Insurance Cover?

A typical marine war risk policy may include:

Hull Cover
Protection against physical loss or damage to the vessel caused by:

• Acts of war (declared or undeclared)
• Strikes, riots, and civil commotions
• Capture, seizure, arrest, or detainment
• Weapons of war, including missiles, bombs, derelict mines and torpedoes
• Piracy (if specifically endorsed)

Cargo Cover
Coverage for loss or damage to goods due to war-related perils. This is typically governed by the Institute War Clauses (Cargo).

Increased Value (IV) / Hull Interest
Additional cover that supplements the insured value of the vessel, ensuring full indemnity in the event of a total loss.

Breach of Warranty Cover
Protection in case a vessel enters a war zone in breach of trading warranties, subject to prior notice and additional premium.

Important: Terrorism and Kidnap & Ransom (K&R) are often excluded from standard war policies and may require separate, specialist policies.

How Does Marine War Risk Insurance Work?

Policies can be structured as:

• Annual Cover – Ideal for fleets or regular operations through high-risk areas.
• Voyage-Based Cover – Suitable for one-off transits through designated war zones.

Coverage is typically contains Exclusion Zones – Areas where cover is not automatically granted. These are listed within the current JWC Listed Areas .

Cover for these Specific regions can be “Bought Back” where necessary for individual excluded areas and additional war risk premiums apply.

Note: Crew-related risks are usually handled under separate Personal Accident or K&R policies.

Do I Need Marine War Risk Insurance?

If your operations are limited to low-risk, standard trading routes, war risk cover may not be essential. However, if you operate in or near high-risk waters, it becomes critical.

High Risk Areas for Shipping:

• Benin
• Cabo Delgado
• Eritrea, but only South of 15° N
• Gulf of Guinea
• Libya
• Nigeria
• Somalia
• Sudan
• Togo
• Sea of Azov and Black Sea waters plus inland waters
• Indian Ocean, Gulf of Aden and Southern Red Sea
• Pakistan
• Iran
• Iraq, including all Iraqi offshore oil terminals
• Israel
• Lebanon
• Israel
• Lebanon
• Iran
• Iraq, including all Iraqi offshore oil terminals
• Israel
• Lebanon
• Oman (Musandam Governorate)
• Persian or Arabian Gulf and adjacent waters
• Saudi Arabia (Gulf coast)
• Saudi Arabia (Red Sea coast) excluding transits
• Syria
• United Arab Emirates
• Yemen
• Russia
• Venezuela, including all offshore installations in the Venezuelan EEZ

 These regions are prone to piracy, terrorism, and geopolitical tensions, increasing the likelihood of vessel attacks or detainment.

Why You Should Consider Marine War Risk Insurance

Standard marine policies typically exclude war-related perils. Without dedicated war risk insurance, you may be exposed to catastrophic losses—including total loss of vessel, cargo, and operational disruption.

War risk insurance provides:

• Financial protection against high-impact, low-frequency events
• Compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements
• Peace of mind when navigating volatile regions

Specialist Marine War Risk Insurance from Everard Insurance Brokers

Everard Insurance Brokers, the specialist marine trading division of Lloyd’s brokers James Hallam Limited, can help you secure tailored war risk insurance solutions.

Whether you’re planning a one-off voyage through a conflict zone or managing a fleet with regular exposure to high-risk areas, we can ensure you have the right protection in place.

Contact us to learn more about our dedicated marine insurance services.

We recently published a guide to marina and boat yard safety essentials. In this post we will focus on flood prevention for marinas. We will cover some tips on how to prepare for floods, along with some advice on how you can best protect your property in the event of a flood.

Understanding The Flood Risks For Your Marina

Any business that operates on or near water should put measures in place to withstand and recover from all kinds of floods.

Common Sources of Floods

First, you need to understand the possible sources of floods:

• Adverse Weather – Storms at sea can lead to tidal surges that could overwhelm your facilities. Heavy rain on land could block drainage systems and cause rivers to burst their banks.
• Water Run-Off – Soil will naturally absorb a certain amount of water. But if soil gets saturated after a period of heavy rain, or as a result of melting ice or snow, then it can lead to standing water and flash floods. This is a greater risk in urban areas, where excessive concrete means there is little soil to absorb the water.
• Escape of Water – A flood at a marine may not necessarily start with rising water levels. A burst pipe in your facilities, for example, could also lead to costly damages.
• System Failures – Systems put into place to manage water levels, such as dams, drainage systems, and levees, may fail if they are not maintained correctly.

Preparing For Floods At Your Marina

There are resources that can give you advance warning of weather conditions that could result in flooding:

• Flood Hub – The Flood Hub uses maps from the Environmental Agency to provide five-day flood risk forecasts, along with longer-term risk forecasts.
• UK Government Flood Warnings – You can sign up for flood alerts by call, text, or email.

Flood Defences For Your Marina

Invest in infrastructure, such as:

• Breakwaters
• Flood walls
• Catch basins
• Planting trees to act as effective natural breakwaters. As we pointed out above, soil is much more effective at withstanding heavy rains than concrete.

If you do not have the space or the budget to invest in your marina’s flood defence infrastructure, then you could invest in deployable flood defences. These may include:

• Sandbags
• Temporary flood barriers.
• Emergency flood protection equipment for your marina structures

Make sure anyone who stores their boats at your marina is aware of the risks of rising flood levels. Enforce rules for how people should store their boats when not in use, and how they should secure them to prevent them from drifting away and causing damage in the event of a storm.

Create a Flood Plan and Introduce Staff Training

Your flood plan should outline:

• Steps everyone onsite should take in the event of a flood
• Procedures for getting themselves to safety
• Steps your staff should take to mitigate the potential damage
• How to protect your most valuable equipment

Remember that the road access to your marina or boatyard may be cut-off or compromised by rising water levels. So as part of your initial risk assessment, identify potential alternative routes to safety.

To make sure your staff are trained on what to do in a flood, you should:

• Take the time to share your flood plan with all marina staff
• Add your flood plan to your employee induction process
• Ensure staff have periodic refresher training

If you are relying on deployable flood defences as part of your flood plan, you should also brief staff on how to rapidly and effectively deploy this equipment when necessary.

Are You Covered For Flood Damage?

Finally, it is important to ensure that your marine insurance policy gives you full cover for flood damage, and other related expenses.

For total peace of mind, your policy should include:

• Escape of water cover. You may already have cover for flooding caused by heavy rains and tidal surges. But as we pointed out above, some floods are caused by burst pipes and other system failures. Read your policy wording to ensure that you are fully covered for any type of flood, no matter how it started.
• Business interruption cover. You may be covered for damages to your marine premises and its contents. But make sure you get dedicated business interruption insurance, which can cover your marine or boatyard overheads for as long as it takes for you to recover from the flooding damage.

Maritime Insurance for Marines and Boatyards

Everard Insurance Brokers are the specialist marine trading division of accredited Lloyd’s brokers James Hallam Limited.

We can help you ensure you have the insurance you need to cover your marine and boatyard for all flood risk. We can also provide essential risk management advice to help you ensure you are prepared for floods and other potential setbacks.

Find out more about our dedicated marine insurance services.

Daily safety and operational checks are an essential part of meeting your HSE requirements for managing and operating cranes in offshore environments. In this post we will list some of the daily and periodic checks you should make to help you stay safe and compliant.

Crane Safety Law: What You Need to Know

Two major UK laws apply to the safe operation of cranes in the marine trade:

• Lifting Operation and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)
• Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)

In addition, the supply and installation of both fixed and mobile cranes and lifting equipment is subject to Offshore Installations (Safety Case) Regulations 2005.

Responsibilities: HSE clarifies that the legal responsibilities for safe lifting operations are often shared between the crane hirer and the crane user. So in a shipyard, for example, both the manager and the crane operator may be responsible for performing all necessary safety and operation checks.

Exceptions: The exception is in situations where managers hire the lifting equipment under a “contract lift”. In this case, the crane hire company may assume certain responsibilities for safely ensuring safe lifting operations.

When Should You Perform Crane Safety Checks?

LOLER guidance specifies that you should perform thorough examinations and inspections at a number of points:

• Before the equipment is put into service for the first time.
• After assembly or installation, before the first use.

If the crane is exposed to conditions that might result in deterioration, then it should be thoroughly examined:

• At least once every 12 months.
• Immediately following scenarios that may jeopardise the safety or integrity of the equipment.

You can read the full LOLER guidance for ongoing safety inspections.

In addition to these routine checks, daily safety and operational checks can help you mitigate and manage most of the risks associated with using offshore cranes.

Crane Inspection Checklist: Daily Safety and Operational Checks

• Visual Check – Look for signs of damage or wear on the crane’s exterior, paying particular attention to the wiring, the cables, the hydraulic systems, and the boom and jib.
• Area Checks – Make sure that nobody is working on the crane, or on its runway travel area. Also check the areas where you will be picking up and setting down loads for obstructions and other potential hazards.
• Fluid Levels – Check the levels of the crane’s engine oil, hydraulic fluids, and coolant. Look for any signs of leaks, and ensure that all moving parts are properly lubricated.
• Controls and Safety Devices – Make sure all of the crane’s control mechanisms move smoothly, and that everything responds as you need it to. Check the brake pads for signs of wear and tear. Also check the crane’s safety devices, including the anti-block systems, the load movement indicators, and the emergency stop systems.
• During Operation – Make sure your load does not exceed your crane’s lifting capacity, and look for any signs of swaying or shifting that might suggest instability. Also keep an eye on your ropes, wires, and hooks for signs of fraying or other damage.
• Post Operation – Perform another visual check for signs of wear and tear, again paying particular attention to the wiring, the cables, the hydraulic systems, and the boom and jib. Also take steps to secure the crane, through engaging the parking brake, powering down the control systems, and securely storing any loose tools or equipment.

Please note: the checklist is not exhaustive. Head here for detailed HSE guidance on the safe use of offshore lifting equipment.

Crane Safety Documents and Records

Design a crane safety checklist document for your boatyard or shipyard. This way, you can ensure:

• Every necessary safety check is completed every day
• You have a physical record of the steps you took to manage risks for compliance

Make a note of any possible defects or other risks you identify over the course of your safety checks, and take steps to mitigate these risks as soon as possible. Ideally, you should not use the crane again until you have adequately addressed any issues you find.

We Can Help You Ensure You Are Fully Covered For All Marine Safety Risks

Under UK law, you are required to carry out certain routine safety checks on all offshore lifting equipment. If you forego these checks, and something goes wrong, then you could be liable for all resulting damage and loss.

Everard Insurance Brokers are the specialist marine trading division of James Hallam Limited who are accredited Lloyd’s brokers. We can help you meet your risk management obligations while also helping you find comprehensive marine insurance that will cover you for all possible risks.

Find out more about our specialist marine insurance services.

Temporary staff drive both the recreational and the commercial marine trades. If you are looking to hire some temporary staff for your marine operations, in this post we will share some best practice tips for finding the high quality help you need.

We will also discuss the sort of qualities you should look out for in your temporary staff, along with some of the steps you should take to keep things as safe, compliant, and efficient as possible.

Why Do Marine Trades Rely on Temporary Staff?

In the recreational marine trade, temporary staff can help fill shortages in the workload during high seasons, removing the need to employ full-time staff all year round.

In the commercial marine trade, the nature of certain contracts and charters make temporary staff a necessity. A flexible workforce with specialised expertise that is capable of rapid deployment can help a commercial marine business meet short-term staffing needs while avoiding long-term pay commitments.

Effective Strategies For Recruiting Temporary Staff in Marine Trade

Recruit all-year round
Do not leave recruitment to the last minute, and do not just wait until the start of the high season, when the job market is at its most competitive. If you only recruit when you are desperate for help, then you are less likely to make good appointments, and more likely to make bad hires through rushed decisions.

Instead, aim for a year-round recruitment effort, so that you will always have a pool of talented candidates to choose from.

Look for specialist marine recruiters
Avoid the general job sites, as they may not understand the necessary qualifications or regulations necessary for marine trade recruitment. Instead, look for a recruiter that specialises in the marine trade. They may even pre-vet their candidates, so you can be sure that anyone you appoint will be fully qualified for the role.

Offer an attractive package
Do not just assume that temporary staff will want to work for you. The marine trade job market is highly competitive, so you need to give candidates and recruiters a reason to work with you. Offering good renumeration with attractive benefits is one thing. But it is just as important to treat your temporary staff just as well as you would your permanent staff. If word gets out that you are not a good employer, then you will always struggle to recruit.

Staying Safe and Compliant With Temporary Staff

• Skills and Qualifications – Do not just recruit a workforce of generalists. Go for specialists instead, and list the specific skills and qualifications required for every role you are looking to fill.
• Right to Work – Make sure that every member of staff you recruit has the right to work in whichever countries you operate in. Specialist marine recruitment agencies should carry out pre-screening checks to help with this.
• Training and Onboarding – Your temporary staff may be skilled and qualified to carry out their appointed roles, but you should still give them essential training on health and safety at sea, along with the various emergency procedures you operate on your vessel.
• Insurance – Do not assume that your current marine insurance will cover all of your temporary staff for all risk, and do not assume that any third party agency insurance will cover them either. Contact your insurer for more information, and invest in extra cover if necessary.

We Can Help You Ensure You Are Fully Covered To Recruit Temporary Marine Staff

Everard Insurance Brokers are the specialist marine trading division of James Hallam Limited who are accredited Lloyd’s brokers. We have a deep understanding of every aspect of the maritime industry, and the various insurance implications. We can help you ensure you have comprehensive marine insurance in place to cover all the risks associated with recruiting temporary staff.

Find out more about our specialist marine insurance services.

In recent years, ports of all sizes across the world have started exploring the potential of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs). While USVs have the potential to bring a range of benefits, they also carry certain risks.

This post will help you understand the safety concerns associated with USVs, to help you devise effective port policies to meet these risks.

What is a USV?

An unmanned surface vehicle may also be referred to as an uncrewed surface vessel. Colloquially, they may be referred to as drone boats. In any case, these are vessels that can operate on the surface of the water without a crew. While some USVs need to be controlled remotely, others are fully autonomous.

USVs come in a range of sizes for a range of applications, including:

• Commercial shipping
• Seafloor mapping
• Passenger ferries
• Environmental monitoring
• Surveillance
• Security
• Military functions

The Benefits of USVs

USVs offer a range of benefits over crewed vessels:

• They can be significantly more cost-effective than standard vessels because they do not require a crew. Even if the USV is remote controlled, it would still be cheaper to hire a small team of operators than it is to recruit a full crew.
• USVs can operate in conditions that might be unsafe or unsuitable for people, including hostile waters and hazardous environments.
• USVs can operate around the clock, with no need to consider shifts, rotas, breaks, and leave.

Also, some might argue that USVs might be inherently safer than crewed vessels. If all major systems are controlled by automated systems, then there is less chance of human error. Also, computers do not get tired, and they can react immediately to changing circumstances.

Key Safety Concerns of USVs

However, USVs are not without their risks: 

• Systems failure or loss of comms could result in collisions and other incidents.
• Other vessels in the port or waterway may struggle to navigate around USVs, or may find their behaviour unpredictable.
• There are cybersecurity risks. For example, cybercriminals could hack into the vessel’s systems and take control.
• There are also growing concerns over the use of USVs for smuggling, surveillance, and terrorist operations.

USV Regulations

There is a strict and rapidly evolving regulatory environment governing the use of USVs. The UK Maritime Autonomous Systems Regulatory Working Group (MASRWG), in collaboration with a range of organisations including The Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the UK Chamber of Shipping, has developed the Maritime Autonomous Surface Ship (MASS) UK Industry Conduct Principles and Code of Practice 2020.

In addition, in 2017 Lloyd’s Register introduced a code to certify unmanned vessels. This code assesses USVs against a set of safety and operational performance standards.

Port Policies for USVs

The MASS UK Industry Conduct Principles and Code of Practice provides a full guide to USV regulations. This guidance outlines the following:

• All USV manufacturers and operators should hold ISO9001:2015 certification governing testing and operational standards. In addition, ISO 27001 certification can address the cybersecurity risks associated with USVs.
• You must apply a thorough risk assessment process to every USV operation. On top of this, you should develop a dedicated safety management system to ensure compliance with all applicable rules and regulations.
• As part of the safety management system, there should be a maintenance management system (MMS) for every USV you operate. This should include regular inspections, with clear reporting procedures and corrective action recommendations for any potential risks identified.
• You should consult your local controlling authority and, if necessary, obtain approval for the use of USVs in your port.
• There should be procedures in place for responding to emergency situations including loss of control, systems failure, fires, collisions, groundings, floods, and acts of violence.
• All port staff should receive full training, whether or not they will be operating the USVs. In the case of operators, the guidance outlines that they must be trained and certified to at least the same recognised standards for the equivalent conventionally crewed vessel.

For a full guide to the regulations governing the use of USVs, consult the MASS UK Industry Conduct Principles and Code of Practice 2020.

Section 3.7 is particularly important, as it outlines the process for getting authorisation and approval for USV deployment, including a list of authorities you may have to consult.

Purchasing USVs

When purchasing USVs, look for the Lloyd’s Register UMS certificate, along with any other relevant certifications that demonstrate that the manufacturer is compliant with all current regulations.

Also look for essential safety features including human-monitored onboard safety systems, and automated processes in the event of comms loss.

Maritime Insurance for USVs

Everard Insurance Brokers are the specialist marine trading division of accredited Lloyd’s brokers James Hallam Limited.

We can help you ensure you have the insurance you need to cover your port for USV operations. We can also advise you on essential risk management considerations for unmanned vessels in your port.

Find out more about our dedicated marine insurance services.

UK waterways can get crowded, especially during the busy summer months.

In this post we will discuss some safety tips for navigating crowded waterways during high season, to help you avoid stress, arguments, and potential damages to your boat and others.

Who Has Right of Way on UK Waterways?

Which Side To Pass Other Boats
On UK waterways, you should navigate on the right (starboard) side, as opposed to the left (port) side, as you would on UK roads.

Wind-powered Boats vs. Engines
There are also certain international regulations determining what types of vessels have right of way on the water. Generally speaking, wind-powered boats have right of way over boats powered by engines, due to their comparatively limited manoeuvrability.

Large Vessels vs Smaller Vessels
Larger vessels also tend to take priority over smaller vessels, mainly because smaller vessels can easily move around larger vessels, which may struggle to correct course.

However, these regulations largely apply to vessels at sea. Local authorities may set their own regulations concerning right of way, and other issues. So before you use any waterways, make sure you familiarise yourself with the local laws.

Stand-On and Give-Way

Whenever two or more vessels encounter each other on any waterway, it is important to consider the “stand-on” vs. “give-way” concept:

• The stand-on vessel should maintain its speed, and its course.
• The give-way vessel should adjust its speed and course accordingly so as to avoid a collision.

As we mentioned above, different types of vessels may take priority on waterways. As a general rule of thumb, larger vessels, and those powered solely by wind, should be viewed as stand-on vessels, as it will be harder for such boats to alter their course. Meanwhile, smaller vessels, and those powered by engines, will be viewed as give-way vessels, as they will find it easier to manoeuvre.

But once again, certain waterways may impose their own regulations. For example, all boats may be required to give priority to commercial vessels and local trip boats. And if a waterway is used for certain types of water sports, then this activity may take priority over other types of boating.

Safety and Courtesy for Passing Other Vessels

What if you encounter a similar type of boat to yours? Who will take priority then? For example, what happens when two canalboats need to pass on a waterway?

Technically, neither boat will have priority in this situation. So instead of thinking about right of way, instead aim to follow some general safety and courtesy procedures:

• Keep your distance from all other boats. Be aware of your boat’s capabilities, and always give yourself enough space and time to react to potential collisions.
• Follow any speed restrictions on the waterways, and try to keep your speed consistent so that other waterway users can anticipate your actions.
• If you find yourself on a narrow or crowded waterway, slow down and try to avoid making any abrupt movements.
• Keep a careful lookout for particularly vulnerable vessels and individuals on the waterway, such as swimmers, canoes, and kayaks.
• Stick to any designated channels or courses for your particular vessel, as this can help to avoid any unexpected encounters. Also try to stick to one side of the waterway, so that other vessels can easily pass on the other side.
• Plot your course carefully to avoid any potentially unsuitable or overcrowded channels, and to prevent sudden course changes.
• Try to stay on your course, and try to avoid U-turns, as these can quickly create bottlenecks and other problems.

Understanding the Water

It is also important to understand the specific nature of the water you are sailing on.

If you are boating on river, a lake, or at sea, then you might have more room to manoeuvre. However, you will also have currents to contend with, and you may sometimes have to deal with turbulent waters. These factors will affect your turning circle, and potentially your speed.

On tidal waters, navigation lights may also be compulsory, so that you can easily communicate your intentions to other vessels.

If you are boating on a marine, or canal, then you may not have to deal with tides, currents, and waves. However, you may have to contend with narrower channels, and potentially more congestion.

Prepare For Emergencies

No matter what sort of waterway you are on, it is important to ensure your vessel is equipped with all of the essential safety equipment in case of emergencies.

You will need a suitable anchor and chain, to stop yourself from drifting in the event of engine failure. Make sure everyone onboard has a life jacket, or access to a life ring or life buoy. Also ensure that everyone has a basic understanding of water safety, and on what to do in case of emergency.

Make sure you have enough fuel for every journey you undertake, to avoid getting stranded. It may also be a good idea to pack flares, so that you can signal to other boats, or a VHF radio to communicate with coastguards and other emergency services.

Get The Right Cover For Your Boat This Summer

Everard Insurance Brokers are the specialist marine trading division of accredited Lloyd’s brokers James Hallam Limited. We can help you ensure you have the insurance you need to cover your boat for potential collisions and other emergencies all year round.

Find out more about our dedicated marine insurance services.

An overheating boat engine is one of the biggest risks associated with the summer season. In this post we will discuss how you can maintain your boat engine during the summer, with tips on what you should do if your engine starts overheating.

What Causes Engine Overheating?

Boat engines can overheat at any time of the year, but overheating is more likely in the summer. This is because:

• Strain on the engine: You are more likely to use your boat for extended periods over the summer, and with shorter breaks between each use. Over time, this can put a strain on the engine and its components.
• High Temperatures: Higher temperatures in the summer months can mean that the engine’s cooling systems have to work harder, which can eventually make them less effective.
• Shallow waters: The specific waters in which you use your boat can also increase the risks of your engine overheating. Shallow waters, for example, can cause sediment to enter your engine’s cooling systems, which can affect their performance. Plus, if there is a lot of debris or vegetation about, it can clog your engine’s water intake, which can also affect the effectiveness of your cooling system.
• Saltwater: If you take your vessel out to sea, saltwater can, over time, block your engines cooling systems, which can eventually lead to overheating.

Understanding Your Engine And Cooling System

Getting to know your engine and cooling system is key to understanding and preventing overheating.

Outboard engines
These are water-cooled. The engine draws in water through an inlet before discharging it from the tell-tale. If the cooling system is operating, there should be a small stream of water emanating from the tell-tale while the engine is running.

Inboard engines and stern drive engines
Like cars and other road vehicles, these may rely on engine coolant, along with a heat exchanger that relies on a flow of raw water to keep cool. Or, they might be entirely water-cooled, via thru-hull fittings or a special strainer for saltwater.

Air-cooled engines
Certain smaller outboard engines are air-cooled, rather than water-cooled. The engines feature passages allowing for a flow of air. Excessive loads or blockages can place a strain on these systems.

How To Tell If Your Engine is Overheating

There are some obvious signs that your engine is overheating:

• Steam might start emanating from the engine compartment.
• A strong smell of burning.
• The engine may sound strained.
• Temperature gauge rising into the red.

Depending on the specific type of engine your boat uses, there might be other early warning signs that things are starting to overheat. If you have a water-cooled system, for instance, look out for a reduced flow from the system’s tell-tale. Some engines will display warning lights if the coolant engines are running too low. And most engines will experience performance issues if they get too hot.

What To Do If Your Engine Starts Overheating

• Turn off your engine immediately. Set the throttle to idle, and stop wherever it is safe to do so. The longer you run an overheating engine, the worse the damage will be, and the more the repairs will cost you.
• Give the engine at least 30 minutes to cool.
• Check the system for faults. Pay particular attention to the coolant levels, and top them up if need be. Also check for blockages wherever they may develop, such as in the outboard water intakes, the thru-hull fittings, or the air intakes.
• Aim to get your engine system fully inspected and, if necessary, fully serviced before you take to the water again. You should certainly get professional help if your engine will not start again after overheating, or if you notice any visible signs of damage to the cooling system.

How to Prevent Engine Overheating

Regular maintenance will help you prevent your engine overheating.

Read the manufacturer’s instructions for guidance on regular engine maintenance, and make sure you carry essential maintenance equipment, and spare parts as necessary. Regularly monitor your engine’s coolant levels, and keep an eye on the temperature gauges whenever you are running your boat.

Regular cleaning can also help prevent engine overheating, as it can prevent blockages from developing. For seagoing vessels, you should regularly flush your cooling system to remove any blockages caused by saltwater.

Be sure to read our full guide to mid-season boat checks and maintenance that will help keep your boat in full working order throughout the summer and beyond.

Get The Right Cover For Your Boat This Summer

Everard Insurance Brokers are the specialist marine trading division of accredited Lloyd’s brokers James Hallam Limited. We can help you ensure you have the insurance you need to cover your boat all year round.

Find out more about our dedicated marine insurance services.

In the shipping industry, you have a choice of charter arrangements. In this post we will outline the key features of bareboat charter arrangements, and discuss how this arrangement differs from a time charter arrangement, and a voyage charter arrangement.

What is a Bareboat Charter?

A bareboat charter is a type of leasing arrangement. It involves hiring a vessel without any crew, fuel, or provisions.

In a bareboat charter, the charterer who has hired the vessel takes on full responsibility for every aspect of the subsequent shipping operations, including the management of crew, cargo, and logistical tasks such as fuelling and procurement. They will take on these responsibilities for the duration of the pre-agreed charter period.

Types of Bareboat Charter

There are two types of bareboat charters:

• Commercial maritime bareboat charters
• Leisure craft bareboat charters

Each type of bareboat charter is subject to different regulatory requirements, and there will be different insurance requirements depending on the nature of the charter.

In this post we will focus on commercial maritime bareboat charters. We shall cover leisure charters in a future post.

Commercial Maritime Bareboat Charters

This is a bareboat charter taken out for commercial purposes, including cargo shipping, industrial operations, or offshore procedures. These charters typically involve large ships and specialised vessels, including tankers, Crew Transfer Vessels and cargo ships.

Commercial maritime bareboat charters are often long-term, with the charter period lasting for months or years. The charterer assumes full operational control of the vessel, including crewing, bunkering, insurance and maintenance.

A commercial maritime bareboat charter is normally be referred to as a Charter Party Agreement (CPA).

What is a Time Charter?

In a time charter arrangement, the shipowner hires out their vessel for a specific period of time. Whereas bareboat charter arrangements involve hiring out the vessel, in a time charter arrangement the shipowner may also hire out their crew, along with certain supplies and bunkers. The shipowner may also retain responsibilities for maintaining and insuring the ship for the duration of the charter.

What is a Voyage Charter?

In a voyage charter, a shipowner will hire out their ship, usually along with their crew, for a single voyage, or for a set number of voyages. The charter will only apply for this specific voyage, or for a round trip between specified ports. The shipowner will also retain responsibilities for maintaining and insuring the ship for the duration of the charter.  The charterer will often be responsible for and/or own the cargo.

What is the Difference Between Bareboat Charters, Time Charters, and Voyage Charters?

Here is how bareboat charters differ from other types of charters:

• In a bareboat charter, the charterer has full flexibility over their crew, their schedules, and even the ongoing maintenance and insurance of the ship. In both voyage and time charters, the shipowner retains responsibilities for the ship’s operations, insurance or management.
• Bareboat charters allow charterers to do things their way. With total control over the routes they take, the cargo they carry, and the vessel’s maintenance schedules, they can streamline their operations for maximum profitability.
• Time charters and voyage charters are mainly used in the world of commercial shipping, but bareboat charters can be taken out for recreational use too.

Choosing the Right Type of Charter

No type of charter is inherently “better” than any other type. There are situations when a time charter might work best for all parties involved, and situations where a voyage charter might prove most convenient.

Yet a bareboat charter offers a good balance of flexibility and cost-effectiveness for charterers, while giving shipowners a reliable source of income without any of the expenses and responsibilities that the other arrangements might entail.

Fore more, you can also read our full guide to the differences between time charters and voyage charters.

Bareboat Charters – Insurance, Regulatory, and Financial Considerations

Bareboat charters offer charterers a huge degree of flexibility and control, making them a popular option for maritime shipping companies. However, when a charterer hires out a vessel as part of a bareboat charter arrangement, they will take on a lot of extra responsibilities. You need to ensure you can meet all applicable compliance requirements while managing all the risks:

• Legal and regulatory: The charterer will have to obtain all necessary permits and licenses for the vessel, the cargo, and the voyage. They will also need to ensure the vessel meets all relevant safety and environmental requirements. In a CPA, this can involve meeting SOLAS, ISM Code, MARPOL, and flag state requirements.
• Financial: The charterer will be responsible for meeting all operational costs, from the crew wages to the fuel expenses and insurance. They will also need to schedule and pay for all necessary maintenance and repairs, and they will need to pay for all applicable port fees and other charges for every voyage they undertake.
• Insurance: In a CPA, the charterer may be responsible for arranging adequate marine insurance for the duration of the bareboat charter. This may include cover for hull and machinery, and for protection and indemnity. Depending on the nature of the operations, they may also need to arrange specialist cover for war risk and for Protection and Indemnity Specialist Operations cover.

Which Type of Charter is Right For Your Voyage?

If you cannot decide which type of charter is right for your voyage, we can help you.

Our short Charters Liability Insurance Questionnaire will help you understand your operation’s possible exposure to risk. This will help us provide the best package of insurance cover and terms for your voyage.

Want to discuss your requirements in more detail? Get in touch with our marine team by calling us on 020 3148 9540 or email info@everardinsurance.co.uk