Each year at SeaTrade we reminisce about how much cruising has grown since its inception, but this year, the industry is on the cusp of one of its most massive growth spurts yet. In addition to the ongoing and constant introduction of new tonnage by the mass market heavyweights, this year multiple new players are about to introduce ships into service in the premium, luxury and expeditionary cruise sectors. Cruising always offered different options to the public however the pending industry growth and expansion of riverboats, luxury, expedition and other cruise experiences means that the future of cruising is all about diversity.

The technology, innovation and imagination of the industry continues to startle and amaze. Cruising has moved beyond baked Alaska, buffets and shuffleboard to tattoos, rollercoasters and polar expeditions! Indeed, today a cruise exists to suit every preference and (almost) no destination is out of reach. The wealth of cruising options available to the public is immense. Big ship, medium ship or small ship? Alaska, Asia, Europe, Galapagos, Antarctica or a world cruise? Family fun, reunion or romantic getaway? Theme cruises? Broadway and Vegas style entertainment? The cruise industry continues to diversify and grow and so does the consuming public’s choices and options for cruise experiences.

Notwithstanding all the enticing bells, whistles, gimmicks and innovations, every new cruise ship still requires officers and crew to serve its guests and safely operate the vessel. As cruise industry technology continues to advance, the need for certain specialized training amongst the crew increases. Training and investing time to educate crew is not an inexpensive matter. For every new LNG powered vessel and innovative technologies in bow thrusters, propulsion & emission systems mean additional training and certification amongst the crew is needed. The newest generation of cruise ships crosses the spectrum of small mega-yachts to multi-thousand passenger-ships akin to a small city. For a seafarer, this diversity implies totally different work spaces, conditions and operations, thus different training.

With the expansion of the luxury sector, this creates a demand for crew that can provide superior service. Luxury brands tend to attract a repeating loyalty base of customers who acknowledge and expect consistent superior service. Many luxury operators focus on the guest-crew ratio, aspiring towards one crew member per paying guest. However, this means that these seafarers must often do multiple tasks to make up for the lack of other crew. Not every crew member is capable of delivering high-end 5- or 6-star service. To this end many luxury operators have their own schools or programs devised to provide specialized service training for certain crew to meet the high demands of its customers.

Perhaps the biggest pending expansion in the cruise industry is within the expedition sector. Traditionally these types of voyages were entirely destination driven but bare bones minimal so far as service and cuisine. The new expedition ships boast 5- and 6-star service complete with helicopters, submarines, decompression chambers and expedition leaders. The high degree of technology, service & innovation encompassed in these new vessels combined with specialized polar navigation rules and remote, isolated and longer itineraries implies a further need for specialized training and certification amongst crew.

All the above implies that as the cruise industry continues to grow and diversify the training and education of seafarers will also diversify and as a result continue to be more complex and costly. Accordingly, cruise operators should look to protect the substantial investments they are making in their crew in order to train them for these diverse cruise experiences. The LNG engineer, the personal butler and the expeditionary team leader are all seafarers, each with a unique skill set relative to the vessel they are employed on. Having to replace any of these jobs can be challenging. Accordingly, each of these crewmembers should be viewed as an asset to be protected and retained.

As part of any employee retention strategy, the offering of employee benefits should be highly considered. Indeed, many existing cruise companies have taken their obligations under the Maritime Labour Convention (2006) seriously and already provide some crew with a basic benefit package that includes insurance and retirement account(s). The new entrants into cruising should definitely take note. The diversification of the industry will require diversification of crew. Competition for competent and diverse crew will only increase over time but providing a menu of benefits to your crew can help to ensure that they remain happy in the job, and able to contribute to the company’s future successes.

MHG offers a diverse package of benefits for seafarers. Come and see us at Seatrade, Booth 2349!

The cruise industry has always provided an amazing opportunity for those looking to travel as well as expand their career to something different from the norm. However, seafarers don’t simply step onto the gangway and into a job. A cruise operator must place substantial time and expense in sourcing, recruiting and training of its seafarers.

With the cruise industry currently on the verge of a massive expansion over the next 5-7 years, sourcing, recruiting, hiring, training, and ultimately retaining quality competent and qualified crew will be a critical factor for the successful cruise operator going forward. At last count, there was a minimum of 125 new cruise vessels on order. Remarkably, this growth expands across the spectrum of this industry, ranging from gigantic mass market behemoths to small, medium sized, luxury and expeditionary vessels. Accordingly, a conservative estimate of new seafarers to be sourced, hired, retained and required to crew this influx of diverse vessels is upwards of 150,000. With all this growth, and new cruise ships of all types and designs on the horizon, what steps have you taken to get yourself ready?

Crew Will Require More Specializations Than Ever Before

Not only will a plethora of new crewmembers be required, but the future of the cruise industry will entail more advanced crew specialization, including sectors that have never been seen before. The evolution of LNG (Liquid Natural Gas) power will necessitate new specialized technical education and training for engineers. Up to 40 new luxury vessels (and counting) implies a need for staff with a higher level of white glove, concierge service experience. The over 28 new expedition class vessels will look to combine LNG technology as well as luxury service, which will result in crew that may need to be specialized in several different areas to keep onboard staffing as low as possible given the smaller capacity of these ships. In short, the cruise industry overall will need to recruit, train, and retain a new generation of specialized seafarers.

How to Set Yourself Apart from the Competition

Retaining the best crew in the wake of industry expansion will only become more of a challenge as the demand for quality specialized crew becomes more competitive. Thus, having a long-term strategy in place for employee attraction and retention will be imperative. A happy and contented crew results in higher productivity, less turnover, and as a result, hopefully, increased revenue.

There are many factors that affect overall job satisfaction: working conditions, opportunity for advancement, workload & stress level, co-workers & management and of course financial reward. Increasingly though, financial reward cannot be limited to just money in the bank at the end of the month. The solution lies in an integrated employee benefits package; and this package takes on an increased level of importance as it not only affects the officer or crew member but potentially their dependents as well.

MHG Insurance offers different insurance solutions for many areas of business. Our years of experience in working with the marine industry can assist you in maximizing the overall value that a solid benefits package brings to the table. If you would like to discuss a rolling benefits strategy or are interested in purchasing health insurance for your officers and crew, contact us at mhginsurance.com or call us at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668. Our insurance specialists have the knowledge and experience to assist and guide you to the best coverage for your budget. MHG Insurance will be at Seatrade Miami this year! Come see us at booth 2349!

Did you know MHG Insurance Brokers is offering Tour & Excursion Operators Legal Liability insurance, also known as Shore Excursion insurance? Here’s more about our program.

The Basics

Shore Excursion insurance is a package contingent liability program designed specifically for tour operators seeking to work with the cruise line industry. Depending on the nature of the business itself, the program offers three principal lines of insurance coverage that address the exposures of the operation in question.

1. Commercial General Liability- Responds to suits brought against you by third parties on the grounds of bodily injury and/or material damage caused by your negligence.

2. Contingent Watercraft Liability- Provides excess insurance coverage that sits on top of an underlying Protection & Indemnity (P&I) policy thereby increasing your overall limit of insurance.

3. Contingent Auto Liability- Provides coverage over and above any locally placed Commercial Auto policies for liability arising from the operation of your motor vehicles.

Highlights

· Includes worldwide jurisdiction, satisfying cruise line requirements.

· Limits up to $5,000,000 available.

· ‘A’ rated insurance carrier.

Types of Excursions / Tours that are Covered

The Shore Excursion insurance policy offers coverage for a wide variety of excursions and tours. Whether your company offers sightseeing, scuba, paddle boarding, parasailing, ziplining or ATV tours among other activities, we can help!

We Work for You!

Let us focus on your insurance so you can get back to running your business. Even with the best intentions, accidents happen and it is important to have the proper insurance coverage in place to appropriately cover the day-to-day risks that you face. As a trusted partner of the cruise lines, we have been providing insurance advice and guidance to the cruise industry for over 25 years. Not only do our dedicated insurance specialists have the knowledge and expertise to pair you with the right policy, but our team consists of staff who were once underwriters for Tour & Excursion Operators Liability and who ran shore excursion companies worldwide. Whether you are setting up a new business and purchasing a policy for the first time or already have a policy in place, we can help.

Having proper insurance is important in every aspect of life. Here at MHG Insurance, we offer a variety of different solutions for many industry sectors. From Yacht Crew insurance, Property & Casualty, Ocean Marine insurance to Individual and Group Health insurance, even Life Insurance, we offer a comprehensive suite of tailored products to protect you, your family and your business. If you are interested in purchasing a Tour & Excursion Operators Legal Liability Policy, or simply need some more information contact us at mhginsurance.com or call us at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668. Our team of brokers have the knowledge and experience to consult with you on the best coverage for your budget and can also assist you with any insurance questions you may have.

Commercial General Liability insurance is designed to cover land-based operations. Typically, there is an exclusion in most CGL policies for any work done onboard ship, docks, or piers. The reason for this exclusion is that marine risks are better suited for a Marine General Liability policy. One major area of concern for a marine risk is the coverage for care, custody, and control. This coverage is critical for ship repairers especially and is a standard coverage on an MGL policy.

A Look Back

A General Liability policy doesn’t include watercraft coverage; including the ownership, maintenance, and use of watercraft owned by you, the insured. The client, shipyard or vessel may never know all these exclusion by just looking at a certificate of insurance. The forms and endorsements are included in the policy wording- which brings up the fact that an experienced insurance broker could help you when it comes to the specifics of policy exclusions and/or benefits.

Commercial General Liability

Commercial General Liability policies protect business owners against claims of liability for bodily injury, property damage, and personal and advertising injury (slander and false advertising). Premises/operations coverage pays for bodily injury or property damage that occurs on your premises or as a result of your business operations. Products/completed operations coverage pays for bodily injury and property damage that occurs away from your business premises and is caused by your products or completed work.

Marine General Liability

Marine General Liability policies are designed specifically for those who work on vessels, docks, and ports. These policies include coverage for Marine Contractors, ship repairers, and others who work on or near water.

Why didn’t I Know about This?

Often, contractors that perform work such as carpentry or welding will be asked to do work on a ship or in a port. Their normal operations are on land and they carry CGL coverage. Many do not realize that their current policy will not cover them for work done on a vessel or on a dock. Most shipyards, vessels, and ports don’t check the coverages listed on a certificate of insurance provided by the contractor, they may let them work with improper coverages, not knowing the exclusions that the contractors have in their policies. This is where the problem arises, since they may not be covered in the event of a loss or accident.

Why aren’t Marine Contractors Covered?

Commercial General Liability policies are not designed to cover marine operations. In order to offer coverage for a risk, the underwriter needs to understand the operation. Class codes are used as a way for an underwriter to rate a risk and determine the premium paid. Class codes are also a way for an insurance company to decide what types of business they want to insure. It is important that the company that insures your business understands exactly what you do and how you do it. Otherwise, you may be paying for a policy that will not cover a loss specific to your business. Marine businesses are best insured by a marine underwriter with an insurance company that is familiar with the marine industries.

Working with an expert insurance broker, like the brokers at MHG Insurance Brokers, can help you obtain a policy that specifically addresses your needs and is customized to your benefit. Remember, cruise lines and marinas require proof of appropriate insurance coverage before any job can begin, so make sure you have the right policy in hand. To learn more about the advantages of Marine General Liability coverage, contact an MHG broker today by visiting mhginsurance.com or calling 954-828-1819.

As has been broadly reported, the French government implemented legislation in 2017 requiring employers of French resident crew to pay into ENIM, the French social system fund for seafarers.

THE ISSUE

Applicable to both commercial and private vessels, the intent of the French government
is reportedly to align seafarers with other French residents in regard to social security
protection. By ratifying MLC, France committed itself to providing its resident seafarers
on commercial vessels with access to all nine branches of social security, yet the reality
is that ENIM is only set up to deal with employers rather than individual seafarers and, as
ENIM have stated to us, only an exceedingly small number of foreign employers have
sought to arrange contributions in respect of their French resident crew, leaving many
others with no way of either paying into or enjoying the benefits of the social system
scheme to which they are entitled. The most publicised case which triggered the
legislation was that of the French crew employed on the Condor Ferries services out of
St. Malo. France has attempted to address that flaw in the system by requiring foreign
employers to pay into ENIM in respect of their French resident crew (with certain
exceptions). An employer who fails to fulfil that obligation risks serious sanctions and it is
doubtful that the French authorities will be understanding of employers simply claiming
ignorance as to the residency of their crew.

THE IMPACT

This legislation has, however, had serious economic consequences for France with the
French shipyards as well as many other businesses which depend on the yachting sector
suffering catastrophic losses of business (compounded by separate issues relating to
VAT on fuel). There is also widespread talk of French resident seafarers being avoided
by yacht employers. In a first attempt to stem the bleeding, an amendment was
implemented in January 2018 which allowed employers to use a private scheme rather
than contribute to ENIM but only if the private scheme provides “equivalent protection”
to that provided by the French social security code. This is, however, of limited help
because the French authorities, including ENIM, are resisting any requests for them to
deem a particular private scheme to be compliant and indeed all indications are that this
will not change in the future. As such, any claims from crew insurance providers that a
particular plan is “compliant” in this context should be treated with a healthy dose of
scepticism and caution! Private international schemes serve an important purpose but
they do have limitations too, some of which risk leading to dissatisfaction in the long-run
amongst seafarers relying on them as a stand-alone solution rather than in combination
with a home country social system.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Much of the concern surrounding this issue has focused on the fear of port state control
inspections. With limited resources, it seems highly unlikely to us that port state control
inspections will in fact present the greatest risk of unwanted attention by the authorities
in this regard. If an inspector finds a properly maintained Maritime Labour Certificate and
DMLC, it is questionable whether they will be digging any further than that unless there
has been a complaint from a seafarer and that, in fact, is where we see a far greater risk.
So, while it is worth considering carrying a Maritime Labour Certificate and DMLC even if
not required to do so (e.g. the vessel is under 500gt), even more importantly it would be
advisable for employers to ask their seafarers to state their country ties and document
those answers. This could be as brief as asking the seafarer to state their country of
residence but could also encompass other ties such as the repatriation destination and
the country of the bank account to which the salary is being paid. The seafarer should be
required to notify the employer in the event of changes to this information. Where the
answers indicate that the seafarer may be a French resident, advice can be sought and
contributions to ENIM can be arranged if appropriate. Where the answers do not
indicate French residency, the employer now has back-up documentation showing good
faith in the event of the seafarer later seeking to claim that the employer has failed to
arrange the necessary contributions to ENIM. We understand that some employers are
already requiring their seafarers to answer such questions.

WHAT’S NEXT

The French social system rules themselves do talk of the concepts of “stable” and
“regular” residence in France, “stable” meaning that it is continuous for three months or
more (to be documented by, for example, confirmation of rent payments, electricity
bills, phone bills etc.) while “regular” is a requirement for non-EU citizens and means that
the individual must have an appropriate “titre de séjour”. British crew working on a
foreign (non-EU) flagged vessel but living in shore-based accommodation in France are
the sort of situation that does need to be more fully understood on an individual basis
in order to minimise the risk of problems and again a questionnaire about country ties
can help with this.

CONTACT

Looking forward, further developments are expected to try to curb the unintended
consequences to the French economy and seafarers. Meanwhile, any other countries
trying to figure out how to fulfil their social security obligations under MLC will no doubt
be watching carefully in an effort to avoid similar challenges.

For more information, please contact Peter Dudzinski at peterd@mhginsurance.eu or
Mark Bononi at markb@mhginsurance.com.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (March 1, 2018) – MHG Insurance, the cruise industry’s benefits specialist, has released a groundbreaking study of the benefits provided by the cruise industry. The exclusive report, titled Cruise Industry Benefits Report, is the inaugural issue and includes a snapshot of the benefits provided across 22 cruise lines along with relevant topics affecting benefits in the industry.

“With the continued expansion of the cruise industry and a full order book for new ships over the next few years, sourcing and keeping your best crew will become more of a challenge as the demand for quality crew increases,” said Edward “Mole” Telfer, MHG’s Cruise Division Director. “The Cruise Industry Benefits Report will be a valuable resource for cruise lines to use when building their benefits strategy. The Report has been a labor of love for us at MHG, as we believe passionately in what we do and want to best prepare our clients for the future.”

The focus of the report is the benefits matrix, a comprehensive list of the industry’s benefits provision. The issue also includes a welcome message from CLIA President, Cindy D’Aoust, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Lyall Duncan touches on the importance of benefits when it comes to recruiting and retaining the industry’s best, Global Medical Management speaks to additional ways cruise lines are helping to care for their employees, and Salen Ship Management’s Niklas Peterstam provides a unique perspective as a recruiter and recipient of benefits.

MHG Insurance continues to be at the forefront of developing insurance solutions and products to meet the changing needs of the cruise industry, businesses, and individuals around the world. To receive a copy of the Cruise Industry Benefits Report or to schedule an appointment to review the report and discuss your benefit strategy, please contact Edward “Mole” Telfer at +1 954 828 1819, pr@mhginsurance.com or see us at Seatrade Cruise Global, booth 927.

About MHG Insurance

Established in 1991 in Miami, Florida, MHG Insurance is an independent, global, full-service insurance brokerage and consultative facility. Through its extensive relationships with international underwriting markets, MHG develops and provides a full range of employee benefits, risk mitigation programs, business insurance and financial services all supported by comprehensive attention to service support for all of our clients. In the marine community, MHG is well known for its expertise in the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) and developing MLC-aligned crew insurance solutions. In the U.S., MHG provides group and individual employee benefits along with advice on federal regulations regarding the Affordable Care Act. For more information about MHG Insurance and the services we provide, please visit mhginsurance.com

DOUGLAS, ISLE OF MAN (January 11, 2018) – MHG Insurance announced today that Jack Okell has been promoted to Analyst. In this newly created position, Jack will reconcile the premium and claims experience for any given account, in addition to providing reports to underwriters in the London market.

Jack was studying Mathematics, Statistics and Physics at Lancaster University in England when he joined MHG as part of the Isle of Man Governments STEP scheme, a program which places Manx undergraduates with local businesses for the summer. Previously, he served as a member of the Army Cadet Force, where he learned self-discipline and the importance of working within a team setting.

“Jack previously worked with MHG as an intern, but it didn’t take long for us to realize his importance and value to our team.” said Cathy Lane, Director of European Operations. “Jack has proven eager to learn and gain experience in any setting, and we are excited to watch and support his growth as he takes on this new role with further responsibility.”

MHG Insurance has been providing insurance guidance and solutions since 1991. The company has established an unrivalled reputation for providing quality insurance products that meet clients’ coverage requirements and budget.

About MHG Insurance

Established in 1991 in Miami, Florida, MHG Insurance is an independent, global, full service insurance brokerage and consultative facility. Through its extensive relationships with international underwriting markets, MHG develops and provides a full range of employee benefits, risk mitigation programs and business insurance all supported by comprehensive attention to service support for all of our clients. In the marine community, MHG is well known for its expertise in the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) and developing MLC-aligned crew insurance solutions. In the U.S., MHG provides group and individual employee benefits along with advice on federal regulations regarding the Affordable Care Act. For more information about MHG Insurance and the services

Cruises are made to be a fun memorable vacation that individuals, couples, and families can remember for years to come. A major part of the cruise industry are excursions. As Tour and Excursion Operators know, one of the first things guests do when stepping onboard a cruise ship is to book all the excursions they plan to take part in. While excursions are often considered one of the most fun parts of going on a cruise, there are still liabilities, and accidents that can happen, which is why waivers should be signed, and you should be insured! Below are some of the most common injuries reported by Tour and Excursion Operators.

Snorkeling

We were notified of 2 separate incidents where the individuals both suffered fatal heart attacks whilst snorkeling. Both had long term medical histories which showed it was effectively ‘natural causes’ and no law suit was filed.

Diving

Seeing the world under the surface of the ocean is amazing. However, there is heavy and expensive equipment involved with scuba diving. Luckily, many places will not let people dive without a proper license, but that doesn’t mean you still aren’t exposed to liabilities upon injuries. For instance, what if someone doesn’t come up to the surface properly?

Animal Bites

Many of the top attractions and excursions throughout the Caribbean include swimming with a variety of sea creatures. Whether it be dolphins, sharks, sting rays, or other fish, accidents can happen, and there have been reports of people getting bitten or stung.

Jet Skis

Jet skis are one of the most thrilling and exciting excursions that people choose to partake in. While they can be a very enjoyable time, such thrills and excitement can come at a cost. Improper use of Jet skis has been responsible for tragic crashes, injuries, or even worse. One of the main causes of this stems from inexperience of the individual that is operating the craft, who aren’t well versed in the rules and laws of the water when it comes to other boats or vessels in the area.

Zip Lines

Last but not least, many believe that the most frequent injuries are sustained on zip lines. While you may be thinking that many of the injuries occur because of a fall that is not necessarily the case. Far more common, is injury that is sustained when reaching the end of the line and impacting against poorly maintained equipment at speed.

Now that you are further aware of some of the accidents that can happen in the Shore-Ex industry, cover your liabilities with Shore Excursion insurance, also known as Tour and Excursion Operators Liability Insurance. Shore-Ex Insurance is a package contingent liability program designed specifically for tour operators seeking to work with the cruise line industry. If you are interested in purchasing a Tour & Excursion Operators Legal Liability Policy, or simply need some more information contact us at mhginsurance.com or call us at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668. Our team of brokers have the knowledge and experience to consult with you on the best coverage for your budget, and can also assist you with any insurance questions you may have.

Filing an insurance claim can be a confusing and lengthy process. In many cases, people have never been involved in a claim before. They may not think to do things in the moment that may help them later during the claims process. Let us help by offering some tips when filing a Marine General Liability insurance claim.

Call Insurance Agent and Insurance Company

The most important place to start when there has been a loss is with your insurance agent. If you are unsure whether a claim should to be filed, your agent can help. Your agent will collect the necessary information, and guide you with the next steps that you will need to take. Do not hesitate to contact your agent, he or she handles claims daily and will be able to give you advise that can save you time and aggravation.

List All Damages Incurred

Make a list of all the damages that have been incurred. Some damages may not be obvious, and may require further investigation by the adjuster or another trained professional. Make notes of any specifics about the incident like time of day, weather, and people present at the time of the incident.

Take Pictures

Having proof of damage can affect the outcome of a claim. If an incident occurs, take pictures to document the damage to property as soon as possible. This will help the adjuster if emergency repairs need to be completed to prevent further damage. Keep all photos and receipts for emergency repairs in a safe place and be sure to hand them off to the adjuster as soon as possible.

Prevent Further Damage

After assessing and documenting the damages, do what you can to prevent further damages from occurring. Whether that means clearing the area of other materials, or securing machinery, do what you can to limit the extent of the damage. It is also important to exercise caution when trying to prevent further damage. If it is not safe to be in the area, do not risk injury to yourself or others by trying to limit damages to property.

Who Should the Company Contact to Follow Up on Claim?

It is important to organize who will oversee the claims process within your company. Make sure this person has access to certain information about your business that may be needed during the process. Also, having one person be in charge may also make this process more efficient and ultimately help close the claim faster.

Having the proper insurance coverage is crucial for the success of any business, and every business needs coverage specific for its characteristics. If you have any more questions, would like further explanation, want to change your general liability policy to a marine general liability policy, or are interested in any other form of business insurance, please contact us by calling 954-828-1819 or visiting mhginsurance.com. We look forward to assisting you with all your insurance needs.

No matter what type of business you have, every business has unique needs when it comes to liability protection. Especially if your business is conducted near or on the water, such as marinas and shipyards. Marine general liability coverage is necessary for businesses of this nature. There are some businesses who aren’t aware of the difference between marine general liability and commercial general liability. One difference is that commercial general liability policies often include an exclusion for work done on or near water. This is important because if the incorrect policy is purchased, there may be no coverage at the time of a claim. Claims typically happen when you least expect them. The following are three common marine general liability claims. 

Slip and Falls 

We are all familiar with slip and fall accidents. Businesses on or near the water can create more opportunities for wet floors, or other areas of moisture. It is important to have proper signage around your property/building giving warnings of “slippery when wet.” Installing non-skid flooring is another way to help prevent a slip and fall claim. Keep in mind that slip and falls can happen whether there are wet floors or not. No matter how much precaution you take, you still need proper insurance coverage in case of a claim.

Damage to Someone Else’s Property

Just as damages and mishaps can happen on your property, they can happen on others’ property as well. If your business involves employees doing work at a marina, shipyard or private dock, you may be held liable for damage caused by your employee. Properly train your employees, and provide safety procedures that employees are required to follow at every location. Marine contractors that do work involving welding are especially vulnerable to this type of claim.

Pollution Liability

Work done on or near the water involving boats has an inherent risk of a pollution loss. There are state and federal regulations involving pollution both from gasoline and oil. Both substances are used daily in many marine operations. It is very important that the policy include coverage for Sudden and Accidental Pollution Liability. A marine contractor can be subject to stiff fines and penalties for polluting a body of water.

Having the proper insurance coverage is crucial for the success of any business, and every business needs coverage specific for its characteristics. If you have any more questions, would like further explanation, want to change your general liability policy to a marine general liability policy, or are interested in any other form of business insurance, please contact us by calling 954-828-1819 or visiting mhginsurance.com. We look forward to assisting you with all of your insurance needs.