Marine

As the sailing season approaches, it is important to ensure your vessel, and all of your equipment, is in good working order.

In this post we will outline all of the key maintenance tasks you should undertake to prepare for the upcoming season.

The Importance of Spring Maintenance for Sail Boats and Sailing Equipment

Dedicate a bit of time to some key maintenance tasks, and you can look forward to an entire season of smooth sailing. Regular maintenance will reduce your downtime while helping you save money on repair costs in the long-term.

Of course, it is best to think of boat maintenance as an ongoing commitment, rather than an annual task. Be sure to also read our guide to boat maintenance in winter, and our guide to where you should store your boat out of season.

Does Insurance Require Sailboats to be Serviced?

Your marine insurance policy might also require you to stay on top of certain maintenance tasks. For example, it might stipulate that your boat’s rigging must always be in good, seaworthy condition. So, if you do not commit to regular maintenance, you could inadvertently invalidate your policy.

Key Sailing Equipment to Check

• Hull and decks
• Rigging
• Sails
• Engine
• Electricals
• Safety equipment

Inspect the Hull and Clean The Decks

Thoroughly inspect every inch of your boat’s exterior, including the keel, the rudder, and all through-hull fittings. Look for scratches, gouges, abrasions, and repair anything you find.

If necessary, apply a new coat of antifoul or polish, and replace your anodes if they appear worn or corroded.

Clean your boat’s deck using dedicated cleaning products for each area. Polish your metalwork, and check the seals for leaks. Also inspect your deck equipment, including the stanchions, lifelines, chains, and the anchor system. Give all winches a clean and a grease, and test all hatches, windows, and portlights for leaks.

Check Your Sails and Rigging

Depending on where you stored your boat and your sails over the winter, you may need to clean your sails. In any case, the springtime before the sailing season begins is a good opportunity to check your sails once again for any signs of wear and tear.

Check your rigging for any weak spots, or signs of fraying or corrosion. Pay particular attention to the split pins, the shackles, and the wire guards. You may wish to hire a professional rigger for a dedicated pre-season check, to ensure that everything is working like it should.

Engine and Electrical Checks

First, give your boat’s engine a thorough visual inspection, checking for any signs of rust, corrosion, or damage. You may want to hire a specialist mechanic to give your engine a dedicated servicing.

Even if you do not get your engine serviced, you can clean it, check the fluid levels, and top up where necessary. You can also use this as an opportunity to stock up on engine spares, including fuel, coolant, and oil filters, so that you will have reliable backups once the season begins.

Make sure you record any engine maintenance you carry out in your ship’s log.

Finally, check all of your boat’s electrical components and appliances, including your lights, pumps, and gauging. Check all implements for signs of corrosion, and all wiring for signs of wear.

Check Your Safety Equipment

Many items of safety equipment have use-by dates. Pre-season is a good time to ensure that everything onboard is still in code and in good condition, and to replace anything that needs replacing.

Key safety equipment to check includes your life rafts, lifejackets, flares, and radio beacons and transmitters.

Are You Insured For This Year’s Sailing Season?

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 for this year’s sailing season, and beyond.

Find out more about our dedicated marine insurance services.

Winterising your boat means taking steps to protect it from harsh winter weather, to ensure it will be ready to sail again once spring comes around. An essential part of winterising your boat is ensuring you store it properly. In this post we will discuss the ideal winter storage solutions for boats, with some alternative suggestions if such storage is impractical or impossible.

Be sure to read our guide to essential boat maintenance for winter, too.

Where Is The Best Place To Store a Boat in the Winter?

Ideally, you should take your boat out of the water over the winter, and store it in a secure building, with heating. If this is not possible, at the very least you should aim to take your boat ashore over the winter. This can help prevent corrosion, while making essential winter maintenance a lot easier through giving you easy access to the hull and keel.

If you cannot keep your boat indoors, then you should cover it, to protect it from precipitation. But if you use a tarpaulin, take care not to block any vents, and do not allow it to rest directly against the hull or topside. This can lead to scuffing in high winds.

What Should I Cover My Boat With?

A canvas tarpaulin or a dedicated boat cover is better than a cheap plastic tarpaulin, especially if your boat will be in storage for an extended period. Plastic tarpaulins can quickly disintegrate.

Steps To Take To Winterise Your Boat:

To keep your boat in the best condition while it’s in storage over winter:

• Remove as many items as possible from the boat, including any food and drink. This will help prevent mould and mildew from forming.
• If your boat has sails, take them down, and get them washed and repaired as necessary. Store them in a warm and dry place.
• Remove all freezable liquids, including the water tank. Leave the taps in the open position, so that any condensation can drain out.
• Top up the fuel tank and add some antifreeze, which can help prevent rusting. Check your boat’s manual for best-practice tips.
• Clear all of your boat’s drains and check your piping and hoses for leaks.
• Thoroughly clean your boat before putting it into storage, and ensure it is as well-ventilated as possible to keep the interior fresh.
• Ensure the boat’s batteries are fully charged, then consider disconnecting them completely. This way, they will not drain through the winter, and there will be less fire risk.

What If I Have To Leave My Boat in the Water Over The Winter?

So long as your boat is securely moored, and so long as you can cover your boat to keep out the rainwater, your boat should be fine left in the water over the winter. British winters can get cold, but we do not face the sort of subzero temperatures that could really damage your boat.

How Often Should I Visit and Check on My Boat?

Try to visit your boat at least once a month throughout the winter, while it is afloat. This way you can check that everything is still secure, and you can address any potential issues, such as pooling water, before they become truly problematic.

If you are leaving your boat afloat over the winter, you may need to do some thorough maintenance in the spring, to ensure that there are no new leaks or signs of wear and tear. Also, be sure that your boat insurance covers you for keeping your boat in the water over the winter. Not all policies will include such cover, and some may stipulate that you must keep your boat onshore throughout the winter.

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 over the winter, and beyond.

Find out more about our dedicated marine insurance services.

If you stay on top of boat maintenance throughout the winter, then you will not face an overwhelming set of tasks once spring rolls around.

This post is an essential boat maintenance checklist for winter. We will cover all of the essential checks and repairs you should make at the start of the winter season that will make life easier once you are ready to start sailing again.

Be sure to consult your boat’s manual for dedicated maintenance tips for your specific model.

Hull Maintenance Checklist

• First, check your boat’s hull for any chips, scratches, or dents. Even the smallest chip can lead to leaks and water ingress, so aim to fill anything you find before you sail again. For GRP vessels, if necessary, apply some fresh gelcoat to reseal your hull, and give the hull a polish to protect the gelcoat layer.
• Check the underside of your boat for any marine growth, and check the paint for peels, craters, and blisters. If your boat is getting on in years, it may be time to scrape back a few layers of paint to reapply a few coats of antifouling.
• Check your anodes in steel vessels, and replace them if they appear worn. Tighten all bolts and clean their threads.
• Check for cracks and signs of corrosion where the hull and keel join, and get any necessary repairs as soon as possible.

Thru-Hull Maintenance

Check all thru-hull fittings for signs of corrosion or damage, and repair or replace as necessary. Also check any valves. Make sure they are fully operational with no signs or wear or damage.

Propeller Maintenance Checks

Give the propeller a thorough clean, and check it for any dings, cracks, warping, or other signs of damage. Make sure it is securely fitted, and replace any bearings as necessary.

Engine Maintenance Jobs

Aim to replace your boat engine’s fluids, along with the filters, at least once a year. You should also aim to replace the raw water pump’s impeller once a year.

Thoroughly inspect the engine’s cooling system, along with any cables, hoses, spark plugs, and any other connections.

Winter Boat Maintenance Tasks

Certain other tasks will depend on the specific type of boat you own:

• If your boat has sails, check the sails for rips, tears, or fraying, and get any necessary repairs. Also inspect your lines, and clean them if necessary.
• If your boat has any wood, clean it and treat it.
• Check all electricals are in good working order, and check the wiring for any wear and tear.
• Vacuum and clean any soft furnishings.
• Check for leaks around any windows and deck fittings.
• Check the condition of any safety equipment you keep on your boat, and replace anything that is damaged, or approaching its use-by date.

Get The Right Cover For Your Boat Over Winter, and Beyond

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 over the winter, and beyond.

Find out more about our dedicated marine insurance services.

Fires at sea might not be as common as other risks, but they tend to cost marine companies much more than other types of claims.

According to the 2023 Nordic Marine Insurance Statistics (NoMIS), despite only accounting for 2.7% of all claims, fire and explosion claims accounted for 27% of the total claims cost distribution. This is nearly double the previous year’s figure of 15%.

The latest International Union of Marine Insurance report confirmed that fires are the leading cause of losses at sea, as they have been for the past 10 years.

In this post we will discuss the leading causes of fires at sea, and explore some ways you can safeguard your marine business against this risk.

Where Are Fires at Sea Most Likely to Break Out?

Fires at sea are most likely to break out in areas where fuels and other flammable materials are close to sources of heat.

This might include:

• Engine rooms
• Pump rooms
• Cabins
• Galleys
• Boilers
• Generators
• Cargo holds and storage spaces
• Incinerators
• Chain lockers

According to UK P&I Club, the majority of fires at sea start in ship engine rooms.

What Are The Leading Causes of Fire at Sea?

Most fires at sea start when a flammable substance falls onto a hot surface. In an engine room, this can occur when oils or fuel mists spray onto unprotected hot surfaces. In a cabin room, it could occur when a crew member accidentally leaves an electrical device plugged in, which can lead to overheating and fire outbreaks.

The Allianz Safety and Shipping Review 2023 revealed that the most serious fires can be traced to combustible cargo, which can quickly spread until it overwhelms the crew’s firefighting capabilities. Plus, certain materials may reignite spontaneously even after the fire appears to have been extinguished.

Combustible cargos can include scrap metal and self-heating fuels such as coal and DRI. Fires can start when cargo or containers are damaged or compromised, such as during a storm, or due to bad stowage. Lithium-ion batteries may also overheat and cause fires if they are damaged. This may pose a particular risk for roll-on/roll-off ferries transporting electric or hybrid vehicles.

The Allianz review also suggested that the size of the vessel can determine the severity of the fire. The bigger the ship, the harder it can be for crews to detect fires. By the time crews are able to respond to outbreak, the fire may have already spread too far for them to handle.

Plus, emergency responses and salvage operations become more complex with larger fires on larger vessels, which can make declarations of total loss more likely.

How to Prevent Fires at Sea

• Stay on top of maintenance and repairs, to prevent the risks of fires breaking out due to faulty wirings, mechanical failures, and electrical issues.
• Also ensure that your vessel’s fire detection and suppression systems are always in full working order.
• Provide adequate crew training, and run regular fire drills to ensure that everyone knows what they will need to do in the event of a fire.
• Also brief your crew on fire prevention measures – i.e. not keeping electrical items plugged in, smoking regulations, correct stowage procedures etc.

Make Sure You Are Covered For Fires at Sea

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 you for fires at sea, including incidents that result in total loss.

Find out more about our dedicated marine insurance services.

We recently published a guide to the different types of loss in marine insurance. This post will take a closer look at a specific type of loss: Actual total loss (ATL).

What is Actual Total Loss (ATL)?

In marine insurance, the phrase “total loss” refers to a situation where a ship, or its cargo, has been either lost completely during a voyage, or else damaged so severely that it no longer has any value.

ATL means that the ship or cargo no longer exists at all. If the ship or cargo is insured, the policyholder can receive full compensation that is equal to the ship’s or the cargo’s agreed value in the policy wording.

An example of Actual Total Loss

During a voyage, a ship encounters a severe storm. The damages are significant, causing the ship to sink along with its cargo.

The ship owner will make a claim on their policy for the lost ship and cargo. Their insurer will launch an investigation. If they find that the ship is irretrievable – i.e. that a salvage operation would cost too much, or would be too difficult – the incident will meet the criteria for an actual total loss.

The ship owner will then be entitled to the maximum payout for the agreed value of their ship and value as specified in their policy wording.

The likelihood of ATL occurring will determine the price you pay for your marine insurance. Among other things, your insurer will calculate the price of your premium based on how likely you are to experience ATL, and on the amount such a loss would cost you.

Actual Total Loss vs. Constructive Total Loss

There is another form of total loss in the world of marine insurance. Actual total loss refers to situations where ships or cargo are completely destroyed. On the other hand, constructive total loss (CTL) refers to situations where the cost of repair or retrieval would exceed the ship or cargo’s insured value.

A major difference between ATL and CTL is in the way that claims are handled. ATL claims are usually pretty straightforward. As the policy owner, you are entitled to compensation for the full agreed value of your ship or your cargo. CTL claims, though, can be a little more complicated. If your loss meets the criteria for CTL, you have the option to let your insurer take ownership of your insured property – the damaged ship or cargo.

If you let your insurer take ownership of your damaged ship or cargo, they may then sell this property as salvage, before using the proceeds to offset your settlement. But if you prefer, you can retain ownership of your property. However, your insurer may then offer you a smaller settlement as a result.

Read our full guide to CTL, which covers in greater depth how this form of loss differs from ATL.

Worried about losses at sea? We can help you protect your most valuable assets

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

If you are worried about your rights and responsibilities following losses at sea, then we are here to help.

Find out more about our dedicated marine insurance services.

Global shipping is governed by a number of regulations designed to encourage decarbonisation. These regulations mainly affect ship owners who trade to, from, or within the EU.

In this post we will look at the current decarbonising rules, and assess how they are set to change from early 2025.

Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII)

The International Maritime Organisation’s Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) came into force in early 2023. This initiative is designed to reduce the carbon intensity of all ships by 40% by 2030. It requires ship owners to calculate their ship’s CII rating, which is a measure of the total carbon emissions compared to the amount of cargo transported over the distance travelled.

All ships have a carbon intensity rating from A to E based on their efficiency, with A being the most efficient. A, B, or C ratings are acceptable. But if your ship gets a D rating for three years running, or an E rating for even one year, then you will have to submit a Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan to outline how you intend to further decarbonise your operations.

What are the changes to Carbon Intensity Indicator?

The CII initiative is set to be reviewed in 2025, and the requirements are expected to tighten from 2026. This means that if your ship currently has an A, B, or C rating, in just a few short years you could get a D or E rating for shipping the same routes and the same distances.

EU Emissions Trading System

The EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) has applied to shipping since the start of 2024. Under these new rules, there is a cap on the total amount of greenhouse gases that ship owners can emit over the course of the year. The plan is to decrease this cap annually, in line with the EU’s climate goals.

One “allowance” is the right to emit one tonne of CO₂eq (carbon dioxide equivalent). Ship owners can buy and sell allowances through the European Energy Exchange. Any ship owner that generates more greenhouse gases than their allowance will face heavy fines. The idea is that ship owners can either work to reduce their emissions, or else continue as is, but pay for any emissions they produce.

Up-coming eeview of EU Emissions Trading System

Like the CII, the EU ETS system is up for review in 2026. Currently, all cargo and passenger ships of 5,000 gross tonnes and over must use monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems to track their CO₂ emissions. It is projected that, by 2027, ship owners will also be required to use MRV systems to track other types of emissions, including nitrous oxide and methane.

Extension to monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) requirements

From 2025 the MRV requirement will extend to offshore vessels and cargo ships between 400 and 5,000 gross tonnes. By September 2025, 40% of a ship’s recorded emissions will have to be covered by allowances. This will rise to 70% in 2026, and 100% in 2027.

Fuel EU Maritime regulation being introduced on 1 January 2025

Finally, the Fuel EU Maritime regulation is due to come into force from 1 January 2025. This regulation sets maximum limits for the total average greenhouse gas emissions of all ships above 5,000 gross tonnes that call at EU ports.

The regulations apply to nitrous oxide and methane emissions, as well as CO₂ emissions. Plus, they account for the entire lifecycle of the fuels, on a Well-to-Wake basis.

Under this regulation, ships will have to abide by certain zero-emission requirements while at port. This includes the mandatory use of onshore power supplies, or alternative zero-emission technologies while berthed.

You can read the full text of Fuel EU Maritime regulation, including the forecast emission targets.

Worried about meeting these decarbonisation regulations?

These regulations are all geared towards encouraging ship owners to switch to renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBO). Alongside these new regulations the EU is imposing Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulations, which set mandatory targets for the deployment of an adequate alternative fuel infrastructure.

However, ship owners may still need to make a significant investment to switch to these alternative fuels, while also potentially dealing with higher purchase prices. Many ship owners and operators, particularly those who run small fleets with limited resources, may also feel daunted by the potentially increased administrative demands and running costs that these regulations will bring.

Speed and routing optimisation, along with thorough hull cleaning to reduce drag, will help many ship owners reduce their carbon footprint. Yet the fact remains that many ship owners and operators will likely struggle to meet these new regulations.

Everard Insurance Brokers are the specialist marine trading division of James Hallam Limited who are accredited Lloyd’s brokers. While we cannot help you decarbonise your fleet, we can help you understand the numerous legal obligations you may have to meet. We can then design a cost-effective insurance package to help you ensure you at least have the right cover in place to meet all the risks you face both at port and at sea.

Find out more about our specialist marine insurance services.

CIF and FOB are two different international shipping agreements determining who is responsible for goods during transit – the buyer, or the seller.

In this post we will outline the differences between CIF and FOB, and examine the insurance implications of each.

What is CIF in Shipping?

CIF stands for cost, insurance, and freight. In this arrangement, the seller takes on the following responsibilities:

• Loading the goods onto the ship.
• Covering the cost of shipping.
• Arranging adequate marine insurance to cover the goods during shipping.
• Acquiring all necessary documents, licenses, and inspections.

The buyer takes full responsibility for the goods from the moment they reach the destination port. This includes liability for any extra costs that may be incurred during the voyage, such as customs fees.

What is FOB in Shipping?

FOB stands for free on board. In this arrangement, the seller has very few responsibilities. Essentially, they are responsible for transporting the goods to the port, and for ensuring they are loaded onto the ship.

The buyer assumes full responsibility for the goods once the voyage begins. This means they are responsible for arranging transportation, for paying any additional shipping fees, for arranging adequate marine insurance for the goods in transit, and for unloading the goods at the destination port.

What is the Difference Between CIF and FOB in Shipping?

The key difference between CIF and FOB is who takes responsibility for the goods during shipping – the buyer, or the seller.

Under CIF, the seller is responsible for all the costs and risks of shipping, with the buyer only taking responsibility upon delivery.

Under FOB, the buyer takes responsibility for all costs and risks from the moment the goods are loaded onto the ship.

CIF or FOB – Which is Best?

Neither arrangement is necessarily “better” than the other. The arrangement you choose will depend on the nature of the trade agreement.

Pros and Cons of CIF for Buyers

PROS: The seller takes full control for all shipping arrangements, and other responsibilities. This invariably makes things more convenient for the buyer. But it can also make things more cost-effective for both parties – particularly if the seller has more experience with local customs

CONS: CIF can prove a lot more expensive than FOB. Plus, it can lead to communication issues, as the buyer may have to contact the seller should they ever need an update on progress etc.

Pros and Cons of CIF for Sellers

PROS: CIF allows sellers to use their chosen providers, which can help save money. They can also choose to include insurance and other related costs in the shipping prices they charge the buyer, which can make CIF the most cost-effective, and even profitable, choice for sellers.

CONS: Sellers take full responsibility for the goods until they reach their destination. If anything happens to the ship or the goods during the voyage, they could be liable for all damages or losses.

Pros and Cons of FOB for Buyers

PROS: In an FOB arrangement, the buyer can choose their own providers for many aspects of the shipment, from logistics to insurance. This can help them find the best prices, while giving them more control over delivery timeframes etc.

CONS: The extra responsibility can result in added pressure – more things to manage means more things that could potentially go wrong. As such, smaller or less experienced buyers may struggle with the process.

Pros and Cons of FOB for Sellers

PROS: FOB allows sellers to complete their sales much sooner. Once they have ensured that the goods are loaded, the seller has nothing else to worry about. From this point on, the shipment becomes the buyer’s responsibility.

CONS: Because they have less control over logistics, insurance, and other expenses, FOB arrangements can often result in lower profit margins for sellers.

Get Comprehensive Marine Insurance From James Hallam

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

Whether you are looking to cover a single vessel or an entire marine trade supply chain, we deal with a wide range of niche insurance providers, and we can arrange the cover you need at the best possible price.

Find out more about our specialist marine insurance services.