While the general condition and operational and maintenance standards of ships entered with the UK P&I Club are getting better, the improvements will have to continue. Club managers believe that rising insurance costs and ever more demanding legislation and regulation mean that the 'quality momentum' is not only desirable but unavoidable.

It is estimated that hull, machinery and P&I insurance for a typical Panamax vessel is now around 15% of operating costs. Given the millions of dollars paid out by the P&I clubs alone each year in respect of thousands of injury, collision, cargo, pollution and other claims, it follows that loss prevention advice needs to play a growing role in keeping incidents in check.

Recent years have seen the introduction of ISM (1998/2002), STCW 95 (1997) and MARPOL Annexe 1 Amendments (1995). At the same time, Port State Control regimes, the US Coast Guard, more demanding IACS quality systems and increased numbers of commercial inspections have added to the pressures borne by shipowners and operators.

The UK P&I Club, with around 20% of the world’s tonnage on its books, is at the forefront of providing advice and materials to prevent and curb losses and to advise on legislative and regulatory compliance. At the sharp end is the Club’s Ship Inspection Programme which involves expert examination of entered vessels at ports around the world.

Ordering your copy

Club Members can obtain a copy of this book and other publications by contacting the Club's Loss Prevention Department by clicking

here.