UK Club checklist for tanker operators addresses
cargo shortage claims
A new publication from the UK P&I Club "How to
prevent tanker cargo shortage claims" and subtitled "The cause of claims and
how to avoid them during pre-loading, loading and unloading" focuses on one of
the major sources of cargo-related claims in the tanker sector. It follows on
and complements the recently published UK Club "Tanker Contamination Claims
Checklist".
It identifies the main causes of cargo loss, the
discrepancy between what was loaded and what was discharged, arising from both
on board and shoreside failings and compiles the key points to consider in
several distinct sections running from the pre-loading phase through to
discharge.
The checklist begins by considering whether the ship
is suitable for the nominated cargo(es) to be loaded. Ensuring so far as
practical whether the charterers have provided you with adequate information,
cargo planning and maintaining records during loading and on passage are all
detailed.
Any meeting with terminal staff should not be limited
to filling out cargo and safety checklists, says the Club. It is in the ship's
interest for the chief officer to take these opportunities to build a strong
working relationship with shore personnel. Likewise a good relationship should
be developed with the cargo inspector.
Establishing the amount of cargo loaded is of course
critical. Claims for alleged shortages after completion of discharge are always
based on the difference between the net bill of lading and outturn quantities
in the first instance.
Even if both terminals carry out their measurements
diligently, each will (quite legally) round off temperature and ullage readings
in its favour, so differences are only to be expected. In general the bill of
lading quantity may be overstated and the outturn quantity may be understated.
In the absence of a like for like comparison, the ship is the only common
factor and therefore the measurements taken on board are extremely important.
The checklist also points out that cargo inspectors
are, like all of us, human and therefore do from time to time make errors.
Causes of errors and how to avoid them are detailed.
When unloading, again a good relationship with the
cargo inspector at the discharge port is essential.
The checklist, which comes in an easy to carry form,
was produced by the UK P&I Club with the assistance of Captain David Payne
of Associated Petroleum Consultants Ltd.
The club also reminds owners of the existence of a
DVD, "Tanker Matters". This is one of a series of Cargo Matters videos/DVDs
that aim to increase awareness of the causes of P&I claims for cargo damage
and loss. Tanker Matters focuses on some of the most frequent causes of tanker
cargo claims and how to avoid them. The DVD can be viewed continuously, or
scene by scene.
Notes to editors:
UK P&I Club
The United Kingdom Mutual Steam Ship Assurance
Association (Bermuda) Limited is generally known as the UK P&I Club. As a
mutual association, the UK Club has no outside shareholders and no financial
links with other organisations. Since its establishment in 1869, the Club has
existed solely for the benefit of its members. Its structure as a mutual
insurance association enables it to respond to the changing needs of its
assureds and allows it to provide superior service, attention and coverage.
The UK P&I Club is directed by the members.
Overall control lies with the directors, elected by the members from amongst
themselves. The directors normally meet four times a year to formulate policy
on calls, the scope of cover, finance, underwriting and claims matters,
reinsurance and issues affecting the P&I world. They resolve specific
claims which may not fall clearly within the cover.
Thomas Miller, the Club's managers, is organised to
respond promptly to requests for assistance and to provide informed advice and
help with members' claims. Individual support goes far beyond that normally
provided by a commercial insurer.
The UK Club's size and the scale of the managers'
operations has enabled the latter to develop specialist skills and expertise
seldom seen in marine P&I.
In 350 ports around the world, on-the-spot help and
local expertise is always available to members and the masters of their ships
from the Club's 460 correspondents and claims handling services and advice from
the network of offices and branches in London, Piraeus, New Jersey, San
Francisco, Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, Beijing and Shanghai.
Thomas Miller
The Thomas Miller Group manages a number of
world-leading mutual insurance organisations or "clubs," providing insurance
for shipping, transport and professional indemnity risks; and captive insurance
companies in the Isle of Man and Bermuda. Thomas Miller provides risk
management consultancy services and, through its regulated specialist
subsidiaries, delivers a full investment management service to mutual clubs,
captives and other clients. The firm incorporated in 1999 and is owned and
controlled by its 550 employees worldwide.
Downloads
Leaflets are available to download fromhttp://www.dunelmpr.co.uk/UKP&I-Photogallery-NEW.htm
For further information contact:
David Cheslin Dunelm Public Relations
Tel: +44
(0) 20 7345 5233
E-mail:
davidcheslin@dunelmpr.co.uk
Website:
www.dunelmpr.co.uk |
