Expert Claims Resolution: Marine Claims Management Training Course

Introduction

In the dynamic and often unpredictable maritime industry, incidents ranging from collisions and groundings to cargo damage and personal injuries are an unfortunate reality. When such events occur, the efficient and effective management of marine claims becomes paramount, directly impacting financial outcomes, operational continuity, and stakeholder relationships. A deep understanding of claims procedures, legal principles, and negotiation strategies is therefore essential for mitigating losses and achieving favorable resolutions.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to equip participants with a comprehensive and practical understanding of marine claims management. From exploring the various types of marine claims and the underlying legal principles to mastering the claims handling process, evidence collection, and negotiation techniques, you will gain the expertise to effectively manage complex maritime incidents. This empowers you to minimize financial exposure, expedite resolutions, ensure compliance, and confidently navigate the intricacies of marine claims across the global shipping and insurance landscape.

Target Audience

  • Claims Managers and Executives in Shipping Companies.
  • Insurance Claims Adjusters and Assessors.
  • P&I Club Claims Handlers.
  • Maritime Lawyers and Legal Professionals.
  • Marine Surveyors and Consultants.
  • Ship Owners, Operators, and Technical Managers.
  • Freight Forwarders and Logistics Providers.
  • Cargo Owners and Shippers.

Duration: 10 days

Course Objectives

  • Upon completion of this training course, participants will be able to:
  • Understand the various types of marine claims and their common causes.
  • Grasp the fundamental legal principles governing marine claims (e.g., proximate cause, indemnity).
  • Analyze the entire claims handling process, from notification to settlement.
  • Comprehend the critical importance of evidence collection, documentation, and record-keeping.
  • Evaluate effective negotiation strategies for achieving favorable claims resolutions.
  • Develop practical skills in preparing and presenting comprehensive claims files.
  • Navigate the roles and responsibilities of different parties involved in marine claims.
  • Formulate robust strategies for proactive claims prevention and efficient claims management.

Course Content

Introduction to Marine Claims

  • Defining Marine Claims : financial demands arising from maritime incidents
  • Common Types of Marine Incidents : collisions, groundings, fires, cargo damage, personal injury, pollution
  • Impact of Claims : financial, operational, reputational, legal consequences
  • Overview of the Claims Management Process : from incident to resolution
  • The critical role of effective claims management in the maritime industry

Fundamental Legal Principles of Marine Claims

  • Proximate Cause : determining the dominant cause of loss
  • Indemnity : principle of putting the assured back in the position before the loss
  • Subrogation : insurer's right to step into the shoes of the assured
  • Contribution : sharing of loss among multiple insurers
  • Utmost Good Faith (Uberrimae Fidei) : duty of disclosure by assured
  • Understanding the legal foundation for marine claims

Types of Marine Claims

  • Hull and Machinery (H&M) Claims : physical damage to the vessel, general average, salvage
  • Cargo Claims : loss, damage, delay to goods in transit
  • Protection & Indemnity (P&I) Claims : third-party liabilities (pollution, personal injury, cargo claims, wreck removal)
  • Freight, Demurrage, and Defence (FD&D) Claims : contractual disputes, legal costs
  • War Risk Claims : losses due to war, terrorism, piracy
  • Differentiating between various categories of marine losses

The Claims Handling Process - Initial Stages

  • Incident Notification : timely reporting to relevant parties (insurer, P&I Club, authorities)
  • Emergency Response and Loss Minimization : immediate actions to prevent further loss
  • Appointment of Surveyors and Experts : role in assessing cause, extent of damage, and quantum
  • Collection of Preliminary Evidence : logbooks, photographs, crew statements, VDR data
  • Establishing the facts and initial assessment of the incident

Evidence Collection and Documentation

  • Importance of Documentation : crucial for substantiating claims
  • Types of Evidence : contractual documents (charter party, bill of lading), operational records, survey reports, expert opinions, witness statements
  • Preservation of Evidence : ensuring integrity and admissibility
  • Photographic and Video Evidence : detailed visual records
  • Best practices for thorough and accurate evidence gathering

Assessment of Loss and Quantum

  • Valuation of Damaged Property : repair costs, depreciation, salvage value
  • Calculating Financial Losses : loss of hire, demurrage, detention, consequential losses
  • Adjusting Claims : applying policy terms, deductibles, allowances
  • Role of Average Adjusters : for complex claims like General Average
  • Determining the financial extent of the loss

Negotiation and Settlement Strategies

  • Principles of Negotiation : preparing, active listening, creating value, closing
  • Communication in Negotiation : clear, concise, persuasive
  • Dealing with Disputed Claims : understanding points of contention
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) : mediation, arbitration
  • Settlement Agreements and Releases : finalization of claims
  • Developing effective negotiation skills for claims resolution

Legal Aspects of Claims and Litigation

  • Jurisdiction and Choice of Law : determining applicable legal framework
  • Statute of Limitations : time limits for bringing claims
  • Litigation Process : commencing legal action, discovery, trial
  • Enforcement of Judgments and Awards : cross-border considerations
  • Understanding the legal avenues for resolving claims disputes

Role of Key Parties in Claims Management

  • Shipowner/Operator's Role : primary responsibility, internal claims team
  • P&I Clubs' Role : handling third-party liabilities, providing expertise
  • Underwriters' Role : assessing coverage, approving settlements
  • Brokers' Role : facilitating communication, advising clients
  • Surveyors and Adjusters' Role : independent assessment of loss
  • Maritime Lawyers' Role : legal advice, representation

Claims Prevention and Future Trends

  • Proactive Risk Management : implementing safety management systems, training
  • Loss Prevention Programs : reducing frequency and severity of incidents
  • Data Analytics in Claims : identifying trends, predicting risks
  • Digitalization of Claims Processes : electronic documentation, AI for claims assessment
  • Emerging Risks and Their Claims Implications : cyber risks, autonomous vessels, new fuels
  • Continuous improvement in claims management and risk mitigation.

CERTIFICATION

  • Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

  • Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

  • Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

  • Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com
  • For More Details call: +254-114-087-180
Expert Claims Resolution: Marine Claims Management Training Course in Iran (Islamic Republic of)
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