How to Make a Marine Insurance Claim in South Africa

Making an insurance claim after a marine incident can be stressful — particularly if you're dealing with vessel damage, a liability situation, or an accident involving crew. Understanding the claims process in advance helps you act quickly and correctly in the aftermath of an incident, maximising your chances of a successful outcome.

Step 1: Ensure Safety First

Before thinking about insurance, ensure the safety of all persons aboard and in the water. If your vessel is in distress, call the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) on VHF Channel 16 or the emergency number 082 990 5911. NSRI provides a free search and rescue service across South African coastal waters and inland waterways.

If there has been a collision or incident involving another vessel, exchange details with the other skipper, including name, contact number, vessel name, and their insurer if known.

Step 2: Notify Your Insurer Immediately

Contact your insurer as soon as possible after an incident — most South African insurance policies require prompt notification, and delay can affect your claim. Major SA marine insurers have 24-hour claims hotlines. When you call, have your policy number ready and be prepared to give a clear, factual account of what happened.

Do not admit liability to third parties, other skippers, or their insurers at this stage. Leave liability determination to your insurer.

Step 3: Document Everything

Thorough documentation significantly improves claim outcomes. Photograph all damage from multiple angles as soon as it is safe to do so. Take photos of the wider scene — the location, conditions, and any other vessels involved. If there are witnesses, take their contact details.

For weather-related damage, capture a record of the weather conditions at the time — screenshots of weather apps, wind readings from your VHF radio, or official SAWS (South African Weather Service) data for your area.

Step 4: Preserve Evidence and Prevent Further Damage

Your policy likely requires you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage to your vessel. This may mean emergency haul-out, temporary patching, or moving your vessel to a safer location. Keep records of all costs incurred in these emergency mitigation steps — they may be reimbursable under your policy.

Do not authorise permanent repairs until your insurer has had the opportunity to assess the damage. Arrange for your insurer's marine surveyor to inspect the vessel before major repairs begin.

Step 5: Complete the Claims Form

Your insurer will provide a marine claims form. Complete it accurately and fully. Do not downplay or exaggerate — inaccurate information can result in claims being declined or policies voided. If you are unsure of any aspect, ask your broker for assistance.

Include supporting documentation such as photos, repair quotes, weather records, witness statements, and any other relevant evidence with your completed claims form.

Step 6: The Surveyor's Inspection

For all but the most minor claims, your insurer will appoint a marine surveyor to inspect your vessel and assess the damage. The surveyor's report forms the basis of the claims assessment. Cooperate fully with the surveyor and provide any additional information they request.

Step 7: Claims Settlement

Once the surveyor's report is complete, your insurer will make a claims decision. If your claim is approved, settlement is typically by payment to an approved repairer or, for agreed value policies, payment to you for the agreed value of a total loss.

If you are unhappy with your insurer's decision, you can request an internal review, and if still dissatisfied, escalate to the Ombudsman for Short-Term Insurance (OSTI).