LOSS PREVENTION – PERSONALISED RISK SERVICES

At Britannia our loss prevention team is dedicated to supporting our Members with their operational, safety and technical concerns to minimise claims. We actively work with our Members around the world at every stage of their operation to help prevent the disruptions that can occur when a claim is made.

Whether it’s gaining a clearer understanding of the risks associated with a certain cargo, or researching an unfamiliar ship segment, the expertise and advice of our team is readily available to all Members – contact the loss prevention team.

Our team provide:

Our loss prevention team actively oversees our vessel condition surveys. Performed by trusted, independent surveyors using our own checklists, all surveys are carried out in accordance with the International Group’s requirements. This ensures the appropriate standards are met for maintenance, operation and management across the entire Membership of the Club.

A condition survey is initiated when a vessel meets certain age criteria upon entry to the Club or due to other factors, such as Port State Control detention, flag state requirements or a poor claims record. The process involves the attendance of a surveyor and the creation of a survey report. Any identified deficiencies will be followed up by Britannia and closed out directly with the Member.

The areas inspected during our condition surveys are guided by our extensive P&I claims experience. We view the survey’s outcome as a learning opportunity for both the Member and ourselves, helping to reduce the likelihood of future claims.

A loss prevention management review is designed to identify areas that may impact a fleet’s claims exposure. It helps our team assist and share best practices with a Member, lowering potential risk.

A management review takes place between our loss prevention team and the Member’s safety, technical, operational, commercial and crewing managers at the Member’s offices. They are used to introduce our team and the services we provide, and to discuss the nature of the Member’s fleet, its management and any operational or organisational features likely to be of relevance.

Our reviews are designed to create a close relationship between the Club and Members. We will help structure the meetings in advance, minimising disruption and ensuring both parties have a successful working relationship.

The first step in reducing risks and minimising claims is to identify and understand past claims trends and their origin. Our loss prevention claims analysis programme does just that – providing a comprehensive review by our loss prevention team of the Members’ available claims records, highlighting key learnings and identifying trends. Only by understanding the ‘why’ behind a claim can we develop targeted initiatives to introduce best practice, reduce risk and move to a preventative approach.

Our loss prevention team are all former mariners. Their experience means they are well placed to deliver in-person training seminars to Members, their seafarers and other industry bodies, and to help ensure safe, sufficient and claims-free vessel operations. Additionally, our team can attend Members’ in-house training seminars and present on a variety of loss prevention topics. Requests for attendance can be made via your usual Club contact or directly to the loss prevention team.

Our loss prevention team creates insightful publications and materials including our award-winning BSafe crew safety initiative. This features case studies, guidance, videos and posters focusing on seafarer safety, health and security.

We also produce Loss Prevention Insight reports, with industry experts, that delve into specific issues of interest to our Members. All our publications are freely available through our website.

The loss prevention team produces short safety videos aimed at addressing the most critical safety issues facing our Members’ seafarers, the hazards involved, and most importantly, how to effectively mitigate them.

Our Loss Prevention team is collaborating with Veritas Petroleum Services (VPS) to provide timely Bunker Alerts to our Members. These alerts are designed to offer early warnings about potential bunker quality issues in various ports and regions, enabling you to take prompt and preventive actions to safeguard your vessels. Our Members will have access to these alerts, ensuring they stay informed and prepared to address and mitigate any potential risks.

The loss prevention team has partnered with Africa Risk Compliance Limited to deliver routine security updates from global maritime security hotspots, covering issues such as stowaways and drug smuggling. Members are strongly encouraged to subscribe to these updates by contacting the loss prevention team.

Our research projects tackle current loss prevention concerns and potential future risks and are an important part of our work. We collaborate with experts to produce impactful research across multiple topics, all with the overarching goal of informing and educating our Membership and the broader industry. The aim is to reduce the frequency and magnitude of claims. To find out about our research, and to discuss the potential to get involved, contact the loss prevention team.

The loss prevention team can advise and support Members’ journeys towards sustainability. It is an integrated part of our loss prevention services, as we aim to provide Members with sustainable alternatives that align with their needs.

Stay up to date with our full range of Loss Prevention updates, from best practice for handling cargoes and reducing impact on the environment through to crew health and wellbeing.

Britannia