Bermuda-based insurer Shoreline has launched a new policy to provide legal protection and support for crew that are detained in the US for pollution violations.
The policy is specifically aimed at the detention of ships and crew under suspicion of breaching the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, better known as the Marpol Convention.
Detention in the US for such violations, which include the illegal discharge of oily water waste, can often result in lengthy detentions for crew while the case is investigated.
Because of the criminal nature of the incidents protection and indemnity cover provided by International Group of P&I Club members is often not valid.
The policy, named Marpol Detention Cost Insurance (MDCI), offers uninterrupted access to the legal expertise of US law firm Chalos & Co as part of a number of measures to protect and support the welfare of seafarers.
The firm, headed by founding partner George Chalos, has worked extensively representing owners and crew under Marpol investigations.
“With the launch of MDCI, we are taking a significant step toward supporting innocent seafarers and their employers who often find themselves entangled in complex and demanding US legal and regulatory proceedings,” said Shoreline chief executive Thomas Brown.
Chalos said: “Having assisted many shipowners, managers and seafarers against aggressive interrogations and protecting their rights and liberties in various proceedings around the U.S. for nearly three decades, I’ve witnessed the need for swift action and expert guidance.”
The move marks a significant development for Shoreline which has mainly built its business around providing certificate of financial responsibility (COFR) guarantees for ships trading to the US.
It has also recently branched out into providing cyber insurance cover.
