Coronavirus (COVID-19) - FAQs on Club cover

Typically Members are liable to their crew during their period of the employment, which in the majority of cases includes travelling to and from the vessel. In this event, there is cover for the expenses and liabilities incurred by Members.

If a crew member is quarantined ashore as a precautionary measure due to state restrictions on travel, the additional expenses are not covered as there has not been an outbreak on the vessel and the crew member is not suffering from the illness. In the event that the crew member falls ill during this period cover will respond in accordance with Q2 above.

If a vessel diverts in order to secure the treatment of a crew member who has fallen ill there is cover for the additional fuel, insurance, wages, stores, provisions and port charges incurred as a direct result of the deviation or delay of the vessel.

P&I cover includes the additional costs and expenses incurred by Members as a direct consequence of an outbreak of an infectious disease on board.

However, cover does not respond to the additional expenses incurred by Members if the vessel is quarantined as a precautionary measure by port state control or other relevant authority, i.e. there is not an actual or suspected outbreak on board the vessel.

The additional expenses incurred by Members are not covered unless the departing crews’ inability to leave is due to an outbreak of COVID-19 on board the vessel. Cover will continue to respond to Members’ normal liabilities towards crew members remaining on board with expired contracts in the usual manner until such time as they are off the vessel and have been repatriated.

If a crew member has tested positive for COVID-19 this would be accepted as an outbreak on the vessel and the additional costs incurred by Members in following government or specific authorities guidance, e.g. self isolation, will be covered even if a specific quarantine order has not been issued.

If a passenger falls ill or dies there is cover for the expenses and liabilities incurred by Members as well as the expenses incurred in relation to such illness or death.

If there has been an outbreak of COVID-19 on board this falls within the definition of a ‘casualty’ to the insured vessel and Members liability arising under the conditions of carriage are covered, including the cost of repatriating passengers and claims for compensation.

Members cover for cargo liabilities continues but since ‘quarantine restrictions’ is an excepted peril under the Hague Visby Rules, there should be no liability for loss or damage resulting from the delay.

If the intended port of delivery is closed or the vessel is otherwise restricted from discharging due to the global pandemic forcing the vessel to deviate to an alternate port in order to save or mitigate loss or damage to the cargo, cover will respond to claims arising on the basis that this is not a breach of the Hague Visby Rules in accordance with Article IV Rule 4. If possible Members are nonetheless advised to liaise with the Managers before deviating.

The additional costs and expenses incurred by Members as a direct consequence of the outbreak on the quarantined vessel are covered but this does not extend to loss of hire or the cost of substituting the vessel.

Any claim on the Club would be subject to the Board’s discretion and considered on its facts. Members are encouraged to follow the guidance detailed in the Club’s circular Coronavirus: Challenges in meeting operational and regulatory requirements

Where more than one crew member or passenger is affected through the same outbreak on the vessel or from being in the same location, this will be treated as one incident. If the cause for each crew member or passenger is unrelated then this will be treated as separate incidents and separate deductibles will be applied.

If a vessel is laid up for longer than six months as a direct result of COVID-19, Members are requested to contact the Managers to determine whether a reactivation survey is required.