Marine Trade risk management

To help you quickly understand the key risks facing marine businesses, we’ve created an visual guide that highlights the most common areas of exposure. From public liability and employee safety to collision and grounding, this guide offers a clear snapshot of where problems can arise – and how proactive measures and the right insurance can keep your operations secure.

Public Liability

How to minimise Public Liability risk

• Spot the hazards
  Conduct regular, structured risk assessments of your premises and operations. Check all public and operational areas for potential dangers such as wet floors, cluttered walkways, poor lighting, or unsecured equipment.
• Put safety first
  Install clear, visible signage to warn of hazards (e.g. “Wet Floor”, “Restricted Area”). Use physical barriers or cones in high-risk areas, especially during maintenance or cleaning. Schedule routine safety inspections and act promptly on any issues found.
• Engage in continuous staff training
  Provide comprehensive training for all new staff, covering safety protocols, emergency procedures, and incident reporting. Hold regular refresher sessions and safety briefings to reinforce key messages.
• Listen, learn and improve
  Take feedback seriously – complaints and suggestions often reveal hidden risks. Review all incident reports to identify patterns or recurring issues. Review your safety processes regularly, involving staff from different roles, and update procedures as required to address new risks.

Employers Liability

How to minimise Employers Liability risk

• Assess workplace risks
  Use standard risk assessment forms to review all tasks and work environments. Identify hazards such as manual handling, exposure to chemicals, or repetitive tasks. Update assessments regularly, especially after changes to equipment, processes, or staffing.
• Provide proper staff training
  Ensure all employees receive training tailored to their roles and make sure everyone knows how to report hazards or incidents, and that reporting is encouraged and supported.
• Maintain equipment
  Create a maintenance schedule for all tools and machinery, with clear records of inspections and repairs. Encourage staff to report faults immediately and take faulty equipment out of service until fixed. Use checklists to ensure nothing is missed during routine checks.
• Promote health & safety culture
  Display health and safety information clearly in staff areas. Hold regular meetings to discuss safety, share updates, and good practice. Encourage open communication, where staff feel comfortable raising concerns.

Collision

How to minimise collision risk

• Plan movements carefully
  Develop standard operating procedures for vessel and vehicle movements in marinas, docks, and shipyards. Use agreed hand signals or radio communication to coordinate actions, especially in busy or restricted areas. Assign a spotter or supervisor during complex manoeuvres.
• Keep speeds sensible
  Set and enforce speed limits in all operational areas. Use speed bumps, signage, or monitoring systems to encourage compliance. Remind staff and visitors that safety takes priority over speed.
• Maintain visibility
  Regularly check that all navigation lights, mirrors, and radar systems are clean and fully operational. Replace bulbs and repair faults promptly. Encourage crew to keep windows and viewing areas clear of obstructions.
• Scenario-based training
  Run regular drills on collision avoidance and emergency response. Make sure everyone knows what to do if a collision seems likely or occurs, including how to raise the alarm and provide first aid if needed.

Grounding

How to minimise grounding risk

• Plan routes thoroughly
  Use up-to-date charts and navigation systems to plan all journeys, avoiding shallow waters and hazardous areas. Regularly review planned routes for seasonal changes or dredging updates. Share revised route plans with all relevant crew.
• Monitor conditions constantly
  Assign responsibility for monitoring tides, currents, and weather to a specific crew member. Use reliable sources for forecasts and updates. Be prepared to alter plans if conditions change unexpectedly.
• Maintain navigation equipment
  Schedule regular checks and calibration of GPS, depth sounders, and radar. Keep spare batteries and backup systems available. Faulty equipment can lead to costly mistakes.
• Train for emergencies
  Include grounding scenarios in emergency drills. Teach crew how to minimise damage, protect the environment (e.g. deploying spill kits), and communicate with authorities. Review lessons learned after any incident to improve future response.

Stay protected with the right insurance

Staying compliant and adequately insured is essential for any marine business. Meeting legal requirements, such as Employers’ Liability cover, ensures you operate within the law while safeguarding your team. But compliance alone isn’t enough—unexpected incidents can lead to costly claims and operational disruption. Comprehensive insurance gives you the confidence to focus on running your business, knowing you have financial protection and expert support in place when challenges arise.