Charter Boat Insurance Basics

Maritime law broadly defines the responsibility ofor property damage caused by your vessel.
charterboat operator as being responsible for allThe basic clauses you should consider are the
damages resulting from "negligence". Thisfollowing:
all-encompassing definition leaves the operatorCoverage limit
exposed to the possibility of costly and endless courtHow much is your business worth? A wise agent will
cases.tell you, the best coverage limit is one that you can get.
This why the value of selecting a charterboatIt does make sense since marine P&I policy
insurance policy which protects your legal rights,covers you on a per incident basis, not for each
property and that ensures damages to your boat areperson.
reimbursed, can not be underestimated.Shore excursion
How can you identify which components should be inIf your insurance policy doesn't have this clause, your
your policy? First, identify all your business activitiespassengers are not insured once they get off your
and the risks involved in operating your charterboatboat.
business. This information will help you decide theCrew coverage
types of components, the range, and amount ofYou must pay coverage for each crewmember, or
coverage needed.you will be liable for the uninsured crewmembers'
Hull and Machinery Clauseinjuries in the performance of their duties.
This refers to the coverage of the vessel, and all its'Passenger medical payments
parts. Its' main purpose is to quickly get your businessA good clause to have, for you're protected from irate
and boat operational after accidents. If you afford topassengers who even if they have suffered minor
pick a policy, which covers the following damages yourinjuries, will file for big damages.
charterboat, can sustain:Personal effects
· Combustion, sinking or collision of your boat.The loss of clothes, fishing equipment or cameras
· Deck machinery, boat engines, andmight seem a minor inconvenience, but not to the
electronics.passenger who suffered the loss. This clause ensures
· Coverage for an engine that breaks.that you are properly covered and your passenger's
However, the following are not included in the hull andleave happy.
machinery component: Damage to your engine due toHowever, talk to your agent so that you know what
inappropriate use or neglect, wear due to every dayitems are covered in the personal effects clause and if
use of the boat or reimbursements because yourthese are appropriate to include.
engine broke down.Remember, the right charterboat insurance policy for
Protection and Indemnity (P&I) Clausesyou is one that insures both your boat and charterboat
These clauses enable you to pay passengers andbusiness.
other people who could have suffered personal injuries