Answer
i)Vessel Identification & Ownership Documents
- Certificate of Registry (Flag State Certificate):
- Bill of Sale or Shipbuilding Contract:
- Certificate of Mortgages / Encumbrances:
ii) Classification documents:-
- Certificate of Class
- Class status report
- Outstanding Conditions of Class / Recommendations
iii) Various Statutory Certificates:-
- Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate
iv)Condition Survey / Insurance Survey
Particularly important for:
- Older vessels
- Newly acquired second-hand ships
- Ships with poor claims history
- High-value/specialised vessels.
v) Valuation Report
Needed to establish an appropriate insured value.
vi) 5-Year Claims History (Loss Record): Certified loss history from previous underwriters showing the frequency and severity of past claims (Loss Ratio).
vii) Vessel Trading Profile & Operational Scope: Document detailing intended trading limits, cargo types, chartering patterns, and whether the ship will operate in designated high-risk or war-risk zones (Joint War Committee listed areas).
viii) Crew Manning & Experience Matrix: Details officer qualifications, flag state endorsements, and crew experience profiles to assess human element risks