Charter insurance is an important part of preparations for a pleasant and carefree sailing experience. In the event of an accident or other unforeseen circumstances, insurance can help cover costs and protect from financial losses
The charter season is in full swing, which means that, if the weather permits, preparations for sailing with family and friends can begin. In addition to getting all the equipment, food and drinks supplies, it is crucial to create a detailed sailing plan with an itinerary that’ll take you to lovely marinas and coves, as well as to make sure your skipper’s license is valid, to avoid problems when boarding at the charter base. Special attention should be paid to the insurance of the skipper and the crew, with an emphasis on the insurance of the deposit, which is left as a guarantee for the settlement of minor damages.
The most important of all types of insurance is the skipper’s liability insurance for damages to third parties. Since the skipper is the one who steers the vessel, he is responsible for the damages that his actions may cause to other vessels, the crew on other vessels, as well to his own crew. If there is a legal dispute between the skipper and the charter company or the owner of the vessel damaged by the skipper, it’s smart to have the skipper’s legal protection insurance that covers the costs incurred in legal proceedings.
Additional insurance for the skipper and the crew is accident insurance, which covers serious injuries, permanent disability, and situations that call for rescue and return of the crew to a safe place. This insurance is valid from boarding the vessel until disembarkation.
Another interesting situation possible in charter is delay of delivery of a vessel, in case the chartered vessel is not ready for the next charter due to damage that occurred during the previous charter. In that case, insurance against consequential damages plays a key role.
Big financial risks for those who plan an annual vacation on a rented vessel are the rentals cost and the cost of traveling to the destination where the vessel needs to be picked up, as it often happens that one of the crew members cannot fulfill their contract due to objective reasons such as illness, in which case it is smart to have insurance against the cancellation of the lease.
Considering various situations, risks and dangers that the skipper and crew may encounter, we would recommend that when booking a charter vessel, you consult with an insurance expert on the best type of insurance for you and your crew, so you can enjoy your vacation and get that well-deserved rest in peace.
Photos Yacht-Pool & Zoran Jelača/HTZ