Every year, the UK P&I Club deals with thousands of claims using the expertise and experience of its professional claims handlers, ex-seafarers and lawyers.

The insight gained from this number of claims enables us to take a structured approach to risk analysis; our ‘bow-tie’ system that engages both crew and management to participate in and prioritise the risk management process onboard ships. This methodology demonstrates how major hazard events can occur and what safeguards can prevent them.

Developing straightforward diagrams of the causes and consequences of incidents with crew, management and the Club in partnership wins participation and ‘buy-in’ across the whole of the member’s organisation. Its transparency enables risk management to be prioritised reducing risk at a time when money is tight for ship owners. Its evidence-based approach helps satisfy the demands of charterers and shippers, as well as authorities, for proof that ship owners are taking control of their risk.

Five decades of Club research into loss prevention issues has developed into a formidable body of technical material on maritime risks. This extensive catalogue addresses risks impacting people, assets and the environment.

The materials range from weekly bulletins through to educational posters, multimedia, technical bulletins and in-depth articles. These are immediately available via the Club website or in hard copy. Members can also obtain guidance as and when they require it from the loss prevention team.

Specialist teams within loss prevention address members’ needs for practical solutions and research wider issues affecting P&I.

A dedicated team of senior mariners visits members’ ships. These visits combine quality-control of ships insured by the Club with practical advice for members where needed. Their breadth of member contact and experience is a highly effective ‘grapevine’ for sharing best practice among those manning ships entered in the UK Club.

The pre-employment medical examination team (PEME) co-ordinates a network of approved medical clinics in major crewing countries. This network screens recruits at all levels to detect and prevent medical conditions that might otherwise develop dangerously when at sea or beyond the reach of appropriate medical attention.

Signum Services, an investigation team of former Scotland Yard police officers, respond where members  have been victims of criminal activity leading to liability or claims against them. They harness that  experience to guide members on crime and related loss prevention.

A team of loss prevention executives co-ordinate and deliver all these resources and services from each of the main Club centres around the world. As well as ensuring delivery of loss prevention information to members regardless of their location, they are also a conduit for member feedback regarding the materials and incidents, near-misses and other issues.