Meta description: A practical UK guide to marine salvage equipment insurance—what it covers, key exclusions, risk controls, and how salvage operators can protect cranes, winches, ROVs, barges and specialist gear during salvage operations.
Marine salvage is high-stakes, time-critical work carried out in harsh, unpredictable conditions. Whether you’re refloating a grounded vessel, removing wreckage, recovering cargo, or supporting pollution prevention, the equipment you rely on is often:
High value (and hard to replace quickly)
Used offshore or in tidal waters with limited access
Exposed to corrosion, impact, snagging, and mechanical overload
Operated by multiple teams (crew, divers, subcontractors)
Standard “tools” or generic plant policies often don’t reflect the realities of salvage. Marine salvage equipment insurance is designed to protect the physical assets that make the job possible—so one loss doesn’t wipe out your margin or stop you taking the next call-out.
A well-built policy schedule should clearly list your assets and how they’re used. Common salvage equipment includes:
Salvage pumps and dewatering systems (diesel/electric pumps, hoses, manifolds)
Winches, capstans, pullers and tensioning systems
Cranes and lifting gear (including floating cranes, A-frames, spreader bars)
Rigging and recovery kits (chains, slings, shackles, lifting bags)
Air compressors and breathing air systems
Diving equipment (helmets, umbilicals, hot water suits, comms)
ROVs and subsea tooling (cameras, manipulators, sonar)
Survey and navigation equipment (GNSS, side-scan sonar, multibeam)
Generators, lighting towers, and temporary power distribution
Workboats, barges, pontoons and salvage craft (where insured under equipment/plant or separately under hull)
Containers and mobile workshops
The key is to match the insurance to the operational reality: where the equipment goes, who uses it, and what it’s exposed to.
Marine salvage equipment insurance is usually arranged as a form of marine plant/equipment cover, sometimes paired with contractors’ plant, inland marine, or marine hull depending on the asset type. The best-fit cover is often a blend.
This is the backbone: protection against sudden and unforeseen physical loss or damage to insured equipment.
Typical insured perils include:
Impact, collision, dropping, snagging
Storm and heavy weather damage
Fire and explosion
Theft (where security conditions are met)
Accidental damage during loading/unloading
Mechanical breakdown (sometimes optional or limited)
Watch-outs: “All risks” still has exclusions and conditions—especially for wear and tear, corrosion, gradual deterioration, and defective parts.
Salvage equipment moves constantly: depots, ports, quaysides, vessels, barges, and job sites. You’ll often need cover for:
Road transit (UK and sometimes Europe)
Sea transit (as cargo on deck/under deck)
Loading/unloading (a common loss point)
Temporary storage at ports or client sites
Make sure the policy wording aligns with how you actually move equipment—especially if you use third-party hauliers or ship gear as cargo.
Salvage is capacity-driven. When a major incident hits, you may hire:
Additional pumps
Specialist lifting frames
ROV packages
Temporary generators
A good policy can extend to hired-in plant (often with a sub-limit) and clarify who is responsible under the hire contract.
If your core kit is out of action, you may lose revenue or face contractual penalties. Some insurers offer:
Loss of hire for certain assets
Increased cost of working (e.g., emergency rental)
This is not always standard in equipment policies, but it’s worth exploring if your operation depends on a few high-value items.
Equipment insurance covers your kit; it doesn’t automatically cover the damage your kit causes. Salvage operators often need a strong liability programme including:
Marine liability / P&I-style liabilities (depending on operations)
Public liability for onshore work
Employers’ liability (UK legal requirement)
Pollution liability (critical in salvage)
Your broker should align equipment cover with liability cover so there are no gaps when an incident involves both property damage and third-party claims.
Salvage is where policy detail matters. Common exclusions/limitations include:
Wear and tear / gradual deterioration (including corrosion and marine growth)
Mechanical or electrical breakdown unless specifically included
Defective design/material/workmanship (often excluded, with limited “resultant damage” cover)
Unexplained disappearance
Theft from unattended vehicles unless security conditions are met
Damage due to overloading or exceeding SWL (safe working load)
Losses during testing/commissioning unless declared
War and terrorism exclusions (especially relevant for certain geographies)
Seizure, confiscation, or detention by authorities
Because salvage work can be urgent, it’s easy to breach conditions unintentionally. The goal is to set up a policy that reflects emergency mobilisation while still meeting reasonable risk controls.
Insurers price risk based on frequency, severity, and controllability. Salvage operations can increase all three.
A crane failure dropping a subsea tool package
A winch line snap causing equipment loss overboard
ROV entanglement leading to total loss
Pump failure causing extended downtime and additional mobilisation
Loading/unloading at quayside
Road transit between depots and ports
Temporary storage in unsecured yards
Saltwater exposure and corrosion-related failures
Salvage often involves:
Multiple parties (harbour authorities, vessel owners, contractors)
Night work and adverse weather
Tight timelines and changing plans
Remote locations with limited spares
This is why insurers will ask detailed questions about procedures, maintenance, and competence.
To get competitive terms, be ready to provide:
Equipment list with values, serial numbers, and replacement costs
Maintenance and inspection records (LOLER for lifting gear, PUWER where relevant)
Operator competence and training (including subcontractor controls)
Typical operating areas (UK coastal, offshore, international)
Transit methods and storage arrangements
Claims history and lessons learned
Risk assessments and method statements for common salvage tasks
The more structured your risk management, the easier it is to negotiate broader cover and better deductibles.
Insurance is one layer of protection. Strong controls reduce losses and make you more attractive to underwriters.
Documented lift plans for complex lifts
SWL compliance and line-pull calculations
Regular inspection and certification
Tag lines, exclusion zones, and clear comms
Freshwater washdown after saltwater exposure
Protective coatings and sacrificial anodes where applicable
IP-rated connectors and sealed housings
Desiccant packs and controlled storage for electronics
Cradles, shock protection, and proper lashing
Tamper-evident seals on containers
GPS tracking for high-value items
Clear handover documentation at each transfer point
Pre-qualification and competence checks
Contract clauses defining responsibility for hired-in kit
Evidence of subcontractor insurance where required
Critical spares for pumps, hoses, connectors
Backup comms and power options
Pre-agreed rental partners for surge capacity
Salvage equipment is often bespoke and subject to long lead times. Underinsurance can be a silent killer.
Consider:
Replacement as new (including shipping, duties, calibration)
Currency fluctuations for imported equipment
Upgraded equivalents if the exact model is discontinued
Lead time costs (temporary hire while waiting for replacement)
A practical approach is an annual equipment valuation review—especially after major purchases or upgrades.
When something goes wrong, the speed and quality of your response can affect settlement.
Best practice:
Secure the scene and prevent further damage
Notify insurers promptly (even if details are incomplete)
Keep damaged parts and do not dispose of them without approval
Take photos, logs, and witness statements
Document weather conditions, location, and operational steps
Maintain a clear timeline of events
For salvage operators, it’s also useful to keep a standard “incident pack” template so your team can capture the right evidence under pressure.
An ROV becomes entangled in debris and is lost. Equipment cover may respond for the ROV and tooling, subject to policy conditions and deductibles. The insurer may ask about:
Pre-dive survey and entanglement controls
Tether management procedures
Whether the loss was sudden/accidental vs gradual deterioration
A high-capacity pump ingests debris and suffers catastrophic damage. If mechanical breakdown is excluded, the claim may be limited. Some policies can be extended to include breakdown or resultant damage.
A containerised workshop is broken into overnight. Theft cover may depend on:
Security measures (fencing, CCTV, guards)
Forced entry evidence
Compliance with policy conditions around unattended storage
To avoid gaps, many salvage businesses build a programme that includes:
Marine salvage equipment / contractors’ plant (owned + hired-in)
Marine cargo / transit (if equipment is frequently shipped)
Hull & machinery (for vessels/barges, where applicable)
Public & employers’ liability (UK)
Marine liability / P&I-style cover (depending on contracts)
Pollution liability (often essential)
Professional indemnity (if you provide advice/design, e.g., salvage plans)
The right mix depends on whether you operate as a contractor, vessel operator, consultant, or a blend.
Often yes, if the loss is sudden and accidental and the equipment is scheduled and used within declared parameters. Policy wording matters, especially for offshore operations.
Usually not when it’s gradual deterioration. However, sudden damage caused by a covered event may be insured. Good maintenance records help.
Often yes, with a sub-limit and specific conditions. Always align the policy with your hire agreements.
Usually yes. Vessels and barges are typically insured under hull & machinery, while portable equipment may sit under plant/equipment cover.
Common drivers include claims history, operating areas (nearshore vs offshore), total values, transit frequency, security, maintenance discipline, and the nature of salvage work undertaken.
Marine salvage is not a “tick-box” risk. The right equipment insurance should mirror how you mobilise, operate, and store your kit—onshore and offshore—so you’re protected when the call comes in.
If you want, share a rough equipment list (top 10 items and values) and where you operate (UK coastal/offshore/international). I can help you outline the ideal cover structure and the key questions to ask your broker before you bind cover.
Fish farming is a production business built on equipment. Whether you run a freshwater trout unit, a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS), or a marin…
Meta description: A practical UK guide to marine salvage equipment insurance—what it covers, key exclusions, risk controls, and how salvage operators can protect cranes, winches, ROVs, barges …
Underwater archaeology is where scientific method meets harsh marine reality. Whether you’re surveying a wreck site off the Welsh coast, documenting submerged landsc…
Supply chain disruption used to be seen as a “logistics problem”. Today it’s a balance-sheet problem—espec…
Marine technology is entering a new era. Autonomous and remotely operated vessels, AI-driven navigation, smart sensors, offshore ro…
Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) have moved from niche research tools to mission-critical assets across offshore energy, offshore wind, …
The UK’s push toward net zero is accelerating investment in offshore wind, subsea interconnectors, carbon capture and storage (CCS), hydrogen…
Offshore wind has moved from “emerging tech” to critical national infrastructure. Bigger turbines, deeper water, lon…
Arctic and sub-Arctic work is unforgiving. Cold water, ice, wind, darkness, and extreme remoteness turn “minor” incidents into major losses fast. Whether you’re operati…
Platform decommissioning (offshore oil & gas, marine structures, and associated topsides/subsea assets) is a different beast to routine maintenance…
Offshore wind installation is a high-value, high-risk phase of a project. A single loss can delay commissioning, trigger liquidated damages,…
Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) are now central to subsea pipeline inspection—supporting integrity management, leak detection, cathodic pro…
Subsea cable installation is a high-value, high-risk operation. A single incident—dropped equipment, vessel collision, weather downt…
There isn’t one universal “best” marine equipment insurance provider in the UK for 2025. The right choice …
Marine equipment insurance renewals have a habit of sneaking up on you—right when you’re busiest. And because marine kit often moves between sites (yard, vessel, quay, workshop, storage,…
When running a marine-related business in the UK, protecting your valuable equipment and operations is essential. Whether you operate a boat repair yard, marine engineering firm, yacht brokera…
When operating a marine-related business or owning vessels and equipment, understanding the right insurance coverage is critical to protecting your assets and operations. Two key typ…
The underwater technology sector has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, with Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) becoming essential tools across mult…
When operating in deep water environments, equipment failure isn't just an inconvenience—it can be catastrophic. Whether you're running a commercial diving operation, offshore construction…
The subsea industry operates in one of the most challenging environments on Earth. When installing equipment thousands of feet below the ocean surface, the margin for error is razor-thin, and…
Working at height is one of the most hazardous activities in construction, maintenance, and industrial sectors. Tether systems—including fall arrest equipment, harnesses, lanyards, and …
Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) represent a significant investment for businesses operating in marine research, offshore energy, underwater construction, and environmental monitoring sect…
Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) represent significant capital investments for businesses operating in offshore industries. From subsea inspections to oil and gas operations, these sophisticated mach…
Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) represent significant investments for businesses operating in subsea industries, offshore energy, marine research, and underwater inspection sectors. These sophisticated p…
For businesses that rely on heavy machinery, specialized equipment, or technical apparatus, regular inspection and certification are not just regulatory requirements—they are fundame…
The subsea industry represents one of the most challenging and high-risk sectors in modern commerce. Operating beneath the ocean's surface demands exceptional safety protocols, rigorous standards, and…
The maritime industry operates in one of the most challenging environments on earth. Saltwater corrosion, extreme weather conditions, constant mechanical stress, and the sheer complexity of modern …
When operating in subsea environments, offshore installations, or deep excavation projects, equipment failure at depth presents unique challenges and potentially catastrophic financial consequences. Underst…
When operating equipment that relies on tethering systems, the consequences of failure can be catastrophic. From construction sites to marine operations, telecommunications installations to industrial faci…
Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) represent a significant capital investment for businesses operating in subsea, offshore, and underwater inspection industries. These sophisticated pieces of equipment can…
The subsea industry operates in one of the most challenging environments on Earth. Equipment deployed beneath the ocean's surface faces extreme pressures, corrosive saltwater, unpredictable current…
Marine equipment represents a significant investment for businesses operating in maritime sectors, from commercial fishing operations to marine construction and offshore services. Understanding t…
The aquaculture industry has experienced remarkable growth over the past decade, with fish farming operations expanding to meet global demand for sustainable seafood. As these operations become more…
Scuba diving offers enthusiasts the opportunity to explore underwater worlds, discover marine life, and experience the thrill of weightlessness beneath the waves. However, this exhilarating hob…
Marine research institutions face a unique combination of risks that set them apart from traditional academic facilities. From deep-sea submersibles to coastal laboratories, oceanographic vessels …
Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) operators face unique challenges in their daily operations, from deep-sea exploration to underwater infrastructure inspection. The specialized nature of ROV work demands equally…
The subsea engineering sector represents one of the most technically demanding and high-risk areas of the engineering industry. Operating in extreme underwater environments, subsea engineering firm…
Marine survey companies operate in a specialized and high-risk environment where precision, expertise, and professional judgment are critical. Whether conducting pre-purchase surveys, damage …
Operating in the offshore services sector presents unique challenges and risks that require specialized insurance coverage. Whether your company provides marine support, platform maintenance, subs…
The subsea contracting industry operates in one of the most challenging and high-risk environments on Earth. From offshore oil and gas installations to renewable energy projects and underwater in…
Operating high-pressure equipment in deep-depth environments presents unique challenges and substantial risks. Whether your business involves commercial diving, subsea construction, offshore oil a…
Operating equipment in harsh environments presents unique challenges that standard insurance policies often fail to address. Whether your business operates in extreme temperatures, corrosive atmo…
Operating water-based equipment in tropical climates presents unique challenges that require specialized insurance coverage. From intense UV exposure and saltwater corrosion to hurricane risks …
Operating equipment in the Arctic and North Sea presents some of the most challenging conditions in the world. Extreme cold, ice formation, harsh weather, and remote locations create unique risks th…
Operating equipment in shallow water environments presents unique challenges and risks that require specialized insurance coverage. Whether you're involved in marine construction, dredging, coastal m…
Published on Insure24 | Commercial Insurance for Specialist Operations
Ultra-deep water operations represent some of the most cha…
Offshore construction projects represent some of the most complex and high-risk ventures in the construction industry. From oil and gas platforms to wind farms and sub…
Setting up a new platform—whether it's an industrial manufacturing system, digital infrastructure, logistics network, or technology platform—represents a significant investme…
Marine research represents one of the most challenging and rewarding scientific endeavours, yet it comes with substantial financial and operational risks. From deep-sea exploration vess…
The subsea maintenance industry operates in one of the world's most challenging and unpredictable environments. From remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to specialized tooling and interventi…
Subsea infrastructure represents some of the most valuable and vulnerable assets in the global energy and telecommunications sectors. From oil and gas pipelines to undersea cables and producti…
Platform decommissioning represents one of the most complex and costly operations in the oil, gas, and renewable energy sectors. Whether you're involved in offshore platform removal, ons…
A comprehensive guide to protecting your offshore pipeline operations with specialist insurance and maintenance coverage
Subsea pipeline infrastructure represents one of…
A comprehensive guide to protecting your subsea infrastructure projects
Subsea cable installation represents one of the most critical yet complex infrastructure…
The offshore wind industry represents one of the most dynamic and rapidly expanding sectors in renewable energy. As governments worldwide commit to net-zero targets and businesses inve…
Subsea manipulators represent some of the most sophisticated and expensive equipment in marine operations. These robotic arms, capable of performing intricate tasks thousands of metr…
Published: 2025 | Updated: November 2025 | Reading Time: 12 minutes
Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) represent significant investments for marine, offshore, and inspection operations. …
Operating subsea equipment is one of the most challenging and expensive undertakings in modern industry. Whether you're involved in offshore oil and gas exploration, renewabl…
Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) represent a revolutionary leap in marine technology, enabling businesses to conduct deep-sea exploration, environmental monitoring, offshore infras…
Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) have revolutionized industries from offshore oil and gas exploration to marine research and underwater construction. However, operating these sophisticated piece…
The subsea industry operates in one of the most challenging environments on Earth. Deepwater operations require specialized equipment, including cutting tools and …
Underwater inspection equipment represents a significant investment for marine contractors, research institutions, and subsea service providers. From remotely oper…
The oil and gas industry represents one of the most capital-intensive and high-risk sectors in the global economy. From offshore drilling platforms to onshore production facilities, co…
Subsea lighting equipment represents a critical investment for marine research facilities, offshore oil and gas operations, aquaculture farms, and underwater tourism ventures. These special…
Complete guide to protecting your LARS equipment with comprehensive commercial insurance
Launch and Recovery System (LARS) equipment represents a significant in…
Offshore oil and gas operations depend on sophisticated topside control equipment to manage production, safety, and environmental compliance. These surface systems represent millions of poun…
Tether Management Systems (TMS) represent critical infrastructure in offshore operations, subsea construction, and deepwater exploration. These sophisticated systems manage umbilical cables that d…
Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) represent cutting-edge technology in marine surveying, oceanographic research, and subsea operations. These sophisticated robotic systems can cos…
Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) have become indispensable in offshore and subsea operations, enabling companies to conduct critical work in deep water environments where human presence …
Marine equipment insurance protects one of your most valuable business assets. Whether you operate fishing vessels, cargo ships, offshore platforms, or maritime support equipment, understanding the…
Marine equipment insurance is a specialized form of commercial insurance designed to protect businesses that operate, own, or rely on maritime equipment and machinery. Whether y…
My Account
