What to Do After a Marine Incident
A step-by-step guide to making a boat insurance claim in South Africa — from emergency response to claim settlement.
The Claims Process: Step by Step
Ensure Safety First
Before anything else, ensure all persons on board are safe. If anyone is in the water or injured, call the NSRI immediately on 082 990 5966. Do not risk further injury or loss of life for the sake of the vessel.
- Call NSRI: 082 990 5966 (24/7)
- Administer first aid if qualified to do so
- Activate EPIRB or PLB if applicable
- Get everyone into life jackets
Prevent Further Damage
Once everyone is safe, take reasonable steps to prevent further damage to your vessel — but only if it is safe to do so. Pump out bilges, secure loose equipment, and attempt to get the vessel to safety if possible.
- Pump out flooding if safe
- Anchor in a safe position if possible
- Close sea-cocks to prevent flooding
- Secure the vessel against drifting
Document Everything
Thorough documentation is critical for a successful claim. Photograph all damage from multiple angles, note the weather and sea conditions, and identify any witnesses. If another vessel was involved, exchange insurance and contact details.
- Take photos and video of all damage
- Note weather, sea state, time and location
- Exchange details with any third parties involved
- Collect contact details of witnesses
- Do NOT admit fault to any third party
Report to Police (if required)
If your incident involved theft, vandalism, or any criminal act, report it to the South African Police Service (SAPS) immediately and obtain a case number. Your insurer will require this case number to process the claim.
- Report theft/vandalism to SAPS immediately
- Obtain a police case number — essential for theft claims
- Keep the case number safe
- SAPS emergency line: 10111
Notify Your Insurer
Contact your insurance broker or insurer within 24 hours of the incident. Most policies require prompt notification — delayed reporting can complicate or jeopardise your claim. Have your policy schedule and all documentation ready.
- Notify within 24 hours — check your policy
- Have your policy schedule ready
- Provide your police case number (if applicable)
- Cooperate fully with the insurer's requirements
Marine Surveyor Assessment
For significant claims, your insurer will appoint a licensed marine surveyor to assess the damage. Cooperate fully with the surveyor, provide access to the vessel, and supply any requested documentation. The surveyor's report is key to settling your claim.
- Provide full access to the vessel
- Supply all requested documentation
- Do not carry out major repairs before inspection (unless emergency)
- Ask the surveyor any questions you have about the process
Claim Settlement
Once the assessment is complete, your insurer will advise on the settlement amount. For agreed value policies, total losses are settled at the full insured amount. For partial losses, reasonable repair costs less the policy excess are paid.
- Review the settlement offer carefully
- Query anything you don't agree with
- Request itemised breakdown of any deductions
- Your broker can help if there are disputes
Emergency Contacts
Important: What NOT to Do
- ✗Do NOT admit liability or fault to any third party at the scene.
- ✗Do NOT carry out major repairs before the insurance surveyor has assessed the damage, unless it is an emergency.
- ✗Do NOT delay reporting to your insurer — most policies require notification within 24-48 hours.
- ✗Do NOT dispose of any damaged parts or equipment before the surveyor has assessed them.
- ✗Do NOT sign any documents from third parties without consulting your broker or insurer first.
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