Procedures & administration

Steps related to terms of employment which shipowners take to improve recruitment and retention of good crew often have a direct impact on P&I claims. The purpose of this note is to remind Members to review crew contract terms with the Club, particularly any permanent employment contracts.

Several Members have contacted the Managers in connection with the use of waybills and the recently agreed change to the Rules regarding delivery of cargoes carried under straight bills of lading, a change which reflects equivalent changes to the Pooling Agreement, occasioned by the case of the RAFAELA S.   This note describes the main features of that case and explains why, despite the wording of the new Rule (which takes effect from 20 February 2009) the Rule is unlikely to have much relevance to the normal use of waybills.  

This note is designed for shipowners and their brokers to outline the P&I coverage of their ships during towage to a repair yard. Usually, such towage follows a casualty or event giving rise to a Hull & Machinery claim. Owners need to ensure that they have considered the P&I risks and understand the process required to maintain P&I coverage.   The note outlines the need for Club approval of contract terms, as well as the importance of Warranty Surveys.   This service note is not a substitute for communicating with the UK P&I Club, but will hopefully assist in planning for any towage following a casualty.  

A properly laid up ship reduces P&I risks and after lay up the Club will return a portion of Calls to reflect the reduced risk.   Owners laying up a ship can apply for a partial return of P&I premium paid to the Club. This Guidance Note explains the Club’s policies.   The Club has also published a loss prevention guide to assist Members. Forms to apply for returns are available from the Underwriting Department.

From November 2009 the loss record format available to Members via Underwriting Online has been improved for ease of reading.   Instead of reference to an ALR (Acceptable Loss Ratio) percentage, your record is expressed on a scale of 100 per cent. This change in presentation does not change any claims or premium data. The record states the overall financial position with the Club.