P&I CLUB AND HULL & MACHINERY (H & M)UNDERWRITERS REQUIREMENT FOR LOSS PREVENTION & PRE ENTRY CONDITION SURVEY
P&I club are third party liability insurers who collect a “call” (similar to premium for Insurance companies) from its members which are but not limited to Ship owners, Ship managers, bareboat charterers and traders, just to name a few. Loss prevention as the name suggests is an essential aspect to help determine the procedures & equipment which need potential improvements on board to prevent the third party losses for P & I clubs. Pre entry condition survey is performed to analyze the condition of the vessel prior to insuring them. Loss Prevention and Pre entry condition surveys are performed by Delira marine Services by their experienced master mariners.
Our highly skilled professionals/surveyors understand in detail the aspect of third party liabilities with special reference to cargo, procedures, documentation, crew related matters and pollution prevention. Upon receiving a nomination to carry out a P & I club inspection, the relevant website is visited and all the latest forms pertaining to the vessel specific type are downloaded. It is well understood by Delira Marine Services that following the Club’s specific instructions and checklist are critical. Crew work rest hours have to be taken into consideration whilst planning to carry out the survey. Importance of carrying out the inspections during daylight hours is well understood and adhered to by our surveyors. Getting the report sent to the clients within 24 hours is strictly followed by our surveying company.
Despite the challenges faced, on numerous occasions – Capt Delzin Irani did back to back P&I club loss prevention inspections in places like Vietnam and Dubai for various clubs, in a span of 2 days, which was very much appreciated by them. Paying particular attention to specific forms for different ships is the key during the initial preparation phase. Inspection commences by conducting an opening meeting with the master, chief officer, chief engineer and second engineer discussing the scope of the inspection. A list of all the operational test which needs to be performed are discussed with all those present for a smooth inspection. Statutory certificates and various documentations are verified with the master, followed by accommodation and deck rounds. Upon completion of deck round, inspection of the engine room along with the Chief Engineer is carried out carrying out the various operational tests of machinery to ensure smooth functionality. During the inspection, few of the officers and deck crew are interviewed for their knowledge of the ship safety management system and basic ship familiarity. Getting the master to acknowledge the defect list prior to the surveyor disembarking from the vessel is crucial and should be taken care of. The observations in the defect list need to be detailed providing all the necessary facts of the findings so as to ensure clear understanding by all parties. The observations have then to be closed out by the ship owner and presented to the P&I club within a stipulated period of time. Should they fail to address the issues pointed out during the survey their claim may stand rejected.
To Sum up in Simple Words “Loss Prevention & Pre Entry Condition Inspections are important for P&I clubs and Hull and Machinery (H&M) underwriters to have a clear picture of what type of ships they are adding into their pool and what risks they might encounter. If the deficiencies are not rectified by the ship owner within the time frame then compensation will not be paid should a claim arise”.
Drafted by: Capt. Delzin Irani
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