The Shipowners’ P&I Club has updated its Passenger Vessel Incidents booklet including recent claims. The booklet provides: an overview of the operational issues that passenger vessel operators need to be aware of, and mitigation measures, a helpful on board audit check list and many case studies including observations that can be put into practice.
The aim is to help Members reduce risk by highlighting current concerns and best practice. Although this document focuses on passenger vessels some of the information may be practical and appropriate for yachts and other vessel types which carry passengers.
The Club advises that being proactive and preventing potential claims is always far better than dealing with the aftermath and consequences. With approximately 58% of claims arising as a result of a slip or fall on board, and many of these cases due to the passenger being unfamiliar with the ship’s motion, the importance of guiding passengers appropriately is reiterated.
Unfortunately, no matter what the circumstances of the events, a claimant’s lawyer will almost always allege that the occurrence was the fault of the operator and will try to find evidence of perceived negligence, such as water on the deck and/or apparent poor lighting.
Find out more by reading Club’s booklet
Source: The Shipowners P&I Club