Complex insurance claims demand greater professionalism

LEONARD NEILL THE HANDLING of claims following a maritime disaster calls for a far higher degree of professionalism than ever before, in the view of P&I Associates managing director Alan Reid. “In today’s precarious environment, claims are generally pursued with greater vigour and more professional expertise than previously,” he says. “Added to this, the sudden and unexpected liquidation of one of the parties to a maritime venture – and this does happen – can leave the others exposed in a financially crippling situation. “It’s not merely the reported incidents of ships running into trouble at sea that call for attention. Problems confronting shipowners and others involved in maritime trade range from cargo claims, stevedore injuries, loading, stowage and stress problems to charter party disputes, oil pollution and even stowaways.” And despite the recent implementation of the International Ship and Port Security Code (ISPS), the number of stowaways found on vessels remains fairly constant, according to Reid. “But it is the larger scale of major incidents that demand the greatest attention. In the past three years my company has been appointed by principals to investigate six high profile and major casualties that occurred on the South African coast.” P&I Associates, founded in Durban 26 years ago, comprises 12 experienced professionals whose expertise covers every aspect of marine operations and practice. Six have seagoing experience – four of them master mariners – and three have law degrees. Its Durban location enables it to respond promptly to requests for assistance throughout sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian Ocean. As a result the firm has been successful in the recovery, or prevention of loss, of millions of dollars. The company has offices in all major ports from Saldanha Bay to Mombasa.