By Priti Naik
In a new development, India has stated that the vessels operating at the Indian offshore facilities should also be holding a valid third-party liability cover against maritime claims such as oil pollution, wreck removal and damage to port property.
This development comes after an accommodation barge ‘P-305’ working for ONGC broke from its anchor in heavy winds and high waves brought by cyclone Tauktae sank after hitting an unmanned oil platform off the coast of Mumbai, in which 86 workers on board the barge died.
The port authorities or the operators of the offshore facilities are also required to ensure that all statutory, convention, insurance certificates and trading license of the vessel shall remain valid during stay of such vessel in the Indian coastal waters. The third-party liability risks have to be insured with the London-based International Group of Protection and Indemnity Clubs (IG Clubs) or such other insurance company authorised by the government, according to the 2012 rules.
Globally, such third-party risks are insured with the IG Clubs, a 13-member group based in London that provides liability coverage for about 90 per cent of the world’s ocean-going ships. Besides, the directorate general of shipping has granted permission to 16 non-IG Clubs to provide cover to ships calling at major ports.
