The thrill of working in the marine and scuba industry is unmatched because each day is different and can bring new adventures. But each day can also present challenges – and risk. Professionals and business owners in this industry must secure comprehensive risk management and insurance coverage that ensures standard protection, as well as more targeted protection for the unique risks they face on – and under – the water.
But one size doesn’t fit all. The owner of a dive boat must keep it up to rigorous standards to qualify for adequate protection, while a dive leader must plan for unforeseen, potentially dangerous, circumstances that new divers under his or her instruction may face. Let’s take a closer look at these specific coverage requirements, and more, to understand how professionals and businesses in the marine and scuba industry can best ensure their protection.
Individual Professional Liability for Dive Leaders
Being a dive professional can feel like hitting the career jackpot. Not only do you get to indulge your own passion, but you also get to introduce the wonders of the underwater world to new divers every day. But just as you are responsible for a memorable experience, you are responsible for a safe one. Sometimes diving accidents happen and you must be properly protected in the event that you are sued by an injured diver.
Dive Vessel Package
Owning a dive boat for commercial purposes comes with a lot of responsibility. Not only do you need insurance to protect the boat itself, but also to protect the individuals (your customers!) who come on board – and then dive into the water. And while you may be a dive expert, many of your customers may be first timers.
And again, unfortunately accidents are bound to happen. Slipping on the boat deck or the ladder, stubbing a toe on an anchor or the cleats, being struck by the propeller… the possibilities are endless for inexperienced boaters. Employing the proper safety precautions like maintaining a clean vessel, labeling safety hazards and educating your customers before they come on board will reduce the risk of these types of accidents and more.
Diving Equipment Manufacturers
Diving equipment such as dry and wetsuits, tanks, fins, and regulators are all essential pieces to the scuba diving puzzle when it comes to providing a safe and fun experience. But as with any type of equipment, there can be issues. For divers, a hole in a tank can be deadly. So while manufacturers of dive equipment may not be on the boat, or in the water, when a catastrophe happens, they are potentially liable and must have comprehensive insurance protection in place.
Dive Facilities
For many travelers and tourists in tropical locations, the dive center is their first stop while on vacation to start their scuba experience. Many dive facilities, including stores and those on-site at resorts, are a one-stop-shop offering comprehensive scuba services from instruction to equipment rental to boat rentals. And because they offer so many different types of experiences and services, the importance of comprehensive, custom insurance coverage is immense as you must ensure your business is protected from a variety of accidents or incidents that may happen along the way.
Boat and Vessel Owners
Owning a boat can be a dream come true for individuals and business owners alike. Just as it invites new opportunities for fun (and scuba!), it also invites new risks and hazards that must be anticipated and protected by insurance. It may also be important to consider additional coverage for medical payments, personal effects, uninsured boaters liability and towing and assistance.
As you can see, the opportunities for excitement are endless for scuba divers – but so too are the risks for professionals and business owners in this industry. Whether you’re a dive leader, boat owner or an equipment manufacturer, you must be prepared for the unexpected. Securing insurance coverage will give you the peace of mind that your business is protected and allow you to focus on the part of the business that you love so much – the people, the dive, and life on the water.
