Major casualty response

It is the support and expertise a shipowner receives in the event of a major casualty that is the real test of a P&I club.  The UK Club is widely recognised as having the greatest resources of experience and expertise in this field.   

Major casualties can arise in a wide variety of incidents - pollution, collision, grounding, fire, even incidents that occur whilst ships are alongside port.

In the event of a major casualty the Club quickly forms a response team that comprising both Club staff and external experts.

The major casualty team usually consists of a claims executive who the Member knows and is familiar with and, where necessary, a senior claims director.  In nearly all such casualties Graham Daines the Club’s claims director and the other members of the senior management team will be actively following developments and guiding as required.  If the incident requires more local specialist support the Club will send an experienced claims handler to the incident site, or the Members office.

Working in close liaison with the Member, the Club retains correspondents, lawyers and other experts his behalf and provide instructions to them on steps to be taken. The Club continues to manage the involvement of these experts until the case is concluded.  Throughout that process of assessment, defence or settlement of claims presented the Club’s Value for Money case management principles always apply to ensure economic as well as effective resolution.

If requested by the Member, the Club can also contact and liaise with other insurers including Hull and Machinery interests.   The Club will also deal with negotiations of any issues relating to the provision of security, advance of funds and settlement of claims.   Finally, Club can also assist in dealing with media interest in such casualties.