Inchmaree Clause
What Does Inchmaree Clause Mean?
An Inchmaree clause is a provision commonly found in maritime insurance policies that covers a ship’s loss or damage due to factors such as:
- Errors or decisions made by personnel
- Damage to essential ship equipment and machinery
- Navigation errors
- Damages related to docking
In essence, this clause covers most types of damage to the ship that are not directly caused by “perils of the sea.”
Insuranceopedia Explains Inchmaree Clause
An Inchmaree clause, also known as the negligence provision in maritime policies, is named after the ship Inchmaree, which sank in the 19th century and was central to a historic court case that led to the creation of this clause. Before its introduction, insurers covered only damage or loss due to perils of the open sea, such as damage from severe weather. The Inchmaree clause expanded coverage, allowing ship owners or operators to claim insurance if damage or loss was caused by the negligent behavior of the ship’s workers, such as the captain or crew.
