The 60-second version
Towage and salvage liability insurance covers tug operator negligence during vessel assist — returning NRIs entering port towage need cover alongside P&I and stevedoring policies.
Bind towage liability before first Lloyd's Open Form — salvage reward disputes need separate cover
Towage liability insurance responds when tug assistance causes collision or berth damage to assisted vessel.
Returning NRIs operating harbour tugs at Indian ports need towage cover alongside DGS licence and crew WC.
Stevedoring lane: stevedoring guide for cargo handling layer.
Tug stack
| Policy | Covers | Does not cover |
|---|---|---|
| Towage liability | Collision on assist | Tug hull damage |
| Salvage liability | LOF negligence | Salvage reward |
| P&I | Crew injury | Tow wire snap to third party |
| Hull | Own tug damage | Assisted vessel claim |
Purchase flow
Fleet list
Tug tonnage + HP.
Sum insured
Per assist + agg.
Get quotes
3+ marine insurers.
Bind policy
Before first job.
LOF clause
Salvage terms review.
Stack
Towage kit
- DGS licence.
- Tug survey.
- Policy schedule.
- WC cert.
- Claim hotline.
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Pollution
Add pollution extension if tug carries fuel bunkers near sensitive berths.
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vs hull?
Hull covers your tug damage; towage liability covers damage you cause to assisted vessel.
Salvage reward?
Reward dispute is commercial — liability policy covers negligence not reward quantum.
GST?
18% GST on marine insurance premium.
Claim?
Notify within 24h of incident — preserve tow line and VDR data.
Harbour vs coastal?
Declare operating area — coastal towage needs higher sub-limit.
Sub-charter?
If hiring third-party tug, verify their liability cert before LOF signing.
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