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12th February 2020

London P&I Club presents practical advice on holds and hatches to enhance seafarer safety and reduce cargo claims

Client news

Recognising that around a third of all cargo claims and a significant number of seafarer accidents are connected with the use and operation of holds and hatches, The London P&I Club has, today, launched comprehensive guidance to help seafarers and ship operators protect themselves further.

A common-sense booklet generously illustrated with practical examples of best practice is being offered to all Club members and is particularly aimed at fleet superintendents and serving mariners of all ranks.

Safe operating procedures for all types of hatch covers is given with the specific aim of preventing injuries. The new guidance contains a wealth of illustrated practical advice that clearly demonstrates how seafarers should behave when working in cargo holds and around hatches. Advice includes not working alone, checking toxicity levels, ensuring ladders and other access arrangements are secure, and precautions to take when fumigating.

A range of cargo damage examples are given to show how poor-performing hatches can negatively impact on the cargo itself and, ultimately, increase the likelihood of a claim. Relevant inspections and tests are also detailed alongside advice on routine maintenance and repair work.

Carl Durow, Loss Prevention Manager at The London P&I Club said:

“The guide aims to be immediately accessible, readable and understandable for the majority of serving seafarers. Safety of seafarers is one of the principal issues it focuses on. Aligned with that, we also want to help our members reduce claims associated with damaged cargoes due to poor performing holds and hatch covers. We will be making this guide available to all our members and we will encourage them to ensure copies are sent to each of their vessels.”

A copy of The London P&I Club guide to holds and hatch covers can be downloaded from here

Ends

Notes to editors
Insuring a diverse range of shipowners and charterers, The London P&I Club is one of the world’s leading Protection and Indemnity Associations, providing P&I, FD&D and War Risks cover to our international membership. From tailored solutions to flexible insurance packages – all of our work is directed at meeting our members’ specific needs.

We are proud of our position within the International Group of P&I Clubs, where we play a key role in coordinating and promoting the collective, global strength of the P&I industry on behalf of the world’s shipowning community.

At the London P&I Club, we are committed to providing the best possible service to our members. High quality, responsive support is fundamental to the way we work. The interests of our members are protected by a specialised team with a world-wide reach, including experienced lawyers, former mariners and insurance professionals. The day-to-day operation of the Club is performed by our managers, A Bilbrough & Co Ltd.

We have offices in London, Hong Kong and Piraeus; in Seoul we co-operate on a range of P&I activities with  J-Ship Marine Co., Ltd - and we have a global network of correspondents, lawyers and surveyors, all of which ensures our provision of a high calibre 24-hour service to our members, wherever they are based.

www.londonpandi.com

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