Checklist for Marine & Offshore Businesses: What Equipment to Insure & Typical Risks

CALL FOR EXPERT ADVICE
GET A QUOTE NOW

A complete insurance checklist for marine contractors, offshore operators, port businesses and vessel owners - covering equipment types, operational hazards and essential protection.

CALL FOR EXPERT ADVICE
GET A QUOTE NOW

We compare quotes from leading marine insurers

  • Allianz
  • Aviva
  • QBE
  • RSA
  • Zurich
  • NIG

Essential Insurance Checklist for Marine & Offshore Operations

Marine and offshore work involves a mix of vessels, high-value machinery, subsea systems, tools and mobile equipment. This checklist highlights the types of equipment typically insured, the risks they face, and the core covers marine operators should consider.

1. Equipment Commonly Insured by Marine & Offshore Businesses

These assets face high operational, environmental and mechanical risks.


  • Workboats, barges & offshore support vessels
  • Cranes (floating, pedestal & mobile cranes)
  • Dredgers & marine construction plant
  • Pile-drivers, drilling rigs & heavy engineering machinery
  • ROVs, AUVs & subsea survey equipment
  • Diving gear & decompression equipment
  • Winches, hydraulic systems & hoisting equipment
  • Survey tools (sonar, magnetometers, sensors)
  • Portable tools, generators & electrical plant
  • Onboard equipment & specialist tools

2. Typical Risks Faced by Marine Equipment & Offshore Assets

These hazards highlight why specialist marine insurance is essential.


  • Collision, impact or grounding
  • Weather damage (storms, swell, waves)
  • Hydraulic or mechanical breakdown
  • Structural collapse or fatigue
  • Flooding, water ingress & pressure damage
  • Fire & explosion
  • Damage during lifting or deployment
  • Entanglement or loss at depth for subsea assets
  • Electrical failure & short circuits
  • Theft or loss of mobile equipment

3. Why Marine Businesses Choose Insure24


  • Specialist brokers for marine, subsea & offshore risks
  • High-value equipment & vessel cover
  • Policies tailored for complex operations
  • Equipment, liability & transit cover in one place
  • A-rated marine insurers & underwriters
  • Fast documentation & claims response

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

+-

What equipment should marine operators insure?

Most businesses insure vessels, cranes, subsea equipment, tools, heavy machinery and onboard operational equipment.

+-

What are the biggest risks for marine equipment?

Weather, collision, mechanical failure, lifting damage, water ingress and operational hazards such as entanglement or loss at depth.

+-

Can one policy cover all equipment?

Yes - combined marine equipment policies are available to cover multiple asset types under one contract.

+-

Can equipment be insured during transit and storage?

Yes - transit, loading/unloading and temporary storage cover can be included.

Related Blogs

Marine Equipment Maintenance & Insurance Compliance

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 …

Equipment Failure at Depth: Insurance Coverage

By Insure 24

Equipment Failure at Depth: Insurance Coverage

When operating in subsea environments, offshore installations, or deep excavation projects, equipment failure at depth presents unique challenges and potentially catastrophic financial consequences. Underst…

Tether Failure: Risk Management & Insurance

By Insure 24

Tether Failure: Risk Management & Insurance

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…

ROV Loss: How to Prevent & Insure Against It

By Insure 24

ROV Loss: How to Prevent & Insure Against It

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…

Subsea Equipment Damage: Common Causes & Prevention

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…

Top 10 Marine Equipment Insurance Claims & Prevention

Marine equipment represents a significant investment for businesses operating in maritime sectors, from commercial fishing operations to marine construction and offshore services. Understanding t…

Aquaculture Equipment Insurance: Fish Farming Coverage

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…

ROV Operator Insurance: Specialist Coverage

By Insure 24

ROV Operator Insurance: Specialist Coverage

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…

Subsea Engineering Firm Insurance: Engineering Services

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…

Cold Water Equipment Insurance: Arctic & North Sea

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…

Shallow Water Equipment Insurance: Coastal Operations

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…

Deep Water Equipment Insurance: Ultra-Deep Operations

Published on Insure24 | Commercial Insurance for Specialist Operations

 

Introduction: The Complexity of Ultra-Deep Water Operations

Ultra-deep water operations represent some of the most cha…

Platform Commissioning Insurance: New Platform Setup

Introduction

Setting up a new platform—whether it's an industrial manufacturing system, digital infrastructure, logistics network, or technology platform—represents a significant investme…

ROV Insurance: Types, Coverage & Costs Explained

By Insure 24

ROV Insurance: Types, Coverage & Costs Explained

Published: 2025 | Updated: November 2025 | Reading Time: 12 minutes

Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) represent significant investments for marine, offshore, and inspection operations. …

AUV Insurance: Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Coverage

Introduction

Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) represent a revolutionary leap in marine technology, enabling businesses to conduct deep-sea exploration, environmental monitoring, offshore infras…

Marine Equipment Insurance Claims: Step-by-Step Process

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…

What Is Marine Equipment Insurance? Complete UK Guide

 

Introduction

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…