⚠️ “It Was Just a Small Repair…” — How Onboard Fixes Can Cost You Class and P&I Cover

 

⚠️ “It Was Just a Small Repair…” — How Onboard Fixes Can Cost You Class and P&I Cover

There is a moment every Master and Chief Engineer knows.

A crack appears.
A pipeline leaks.
A doubler plate is suggested.
The riding squad says, “Captain, small job. We can fix.”

And somewhere between operational pressure and commercial urgency…
a decision is made.

In today’s regulatory environment, that decision carries more weight than ever.

Recent industry guidance reminds us clearly: onboard repairs, if not properly managed and approved, can lead to Class suspension and insurance complications .

This is not theory.
This is modern shipping reality.

Let us pause and examine what this really means — for Masters, operators, and young officers watching and learning.

 

1️⃣ Onboard Repairs Are Not “Routine” Anymore

There was a time when certain steel renewals or temporary welds were treated as operational matters.

Today? The margin for error is almost zero.

The guidance clearly states that repairs undertaken without Class knowledge or attendance may result in suspension of Class — and that can invalidate insurance cover, regardless of intent .

Let that sink in.

Not intent.
Not experience.
Not “we thought it was okay.”

Compliance.

From 2027, even welding procedures must comply with revised IACS standards (UR W28 Rev.3) — meaning repair quality expectations are rising across the industry.

Onboard repairs are no longer shortcuts.
They are regulatory events.

And leadership on board begins with recognising that.

#OnboardRepairs #ClassCompliance #MarineEngineering #ShipManagement #MaritimeStandards

 

2️⃣ The Responsibility Never Leaves the Owner

The article reminds us: shipowners remain responsible for maintaining compliance at all times .

Even if:

• The repair was urgent
• The service provider was “experienced”
• The weather window was short
• The commercial schedule was tight

If damage affects:

• Hull structure
• Watertight integrity
• Propulsion or steering
• Essential systems

Class must be notified immediately .

As an operator, I have seen this scenario many times:

A minor structural crack at anchorage.
Pressure from charterers to sail.
Technical team says, “Temporary repair will hold.”

But here is the uncomfortable truth:

If Class is not informed — the risk multiplies quietly.

Seamanship is not just about navigating safely.
It is about protecting compliance.

#ShipOwnersDuty #MaritimeResponsibility #LossPrevention #ShipOperations #MarineCompliance

 

3️⃣ Voyage Repairs: Plan First, Weld Later

One critical reminder:
Voyage repairs affecting Class must be planned in advance, approved by the Classification Society, and supervised by a surveyor .

Emergency repairs must be logged and reported promptly.

In practical terms:

You cannot decide today…
and inform Class tomorrow.

Documentation now includes:

• Repair proposals
• Material equivalency
• Welding procedures
• Non-destructive testing
• Survey attendance

Temporary doublers are allowed only in limited cases — and must be replaced by permanent repairs .

This is not bureaucracy.

It is structural integrity.

A ship is a steel structure operating in one of the harshest environments on earth.
Compromising standards to save time is never a long-term win.

#VoyageRepairs #SeamanshipStandards #IACS #ShipIntegrity #MarineLeadership

 

4️⃣ P&I Cover: The Silent Exposure

From a P&I perspective, compliance with Class and statutory requirements remains a condition of cover .

If losses arise from non-compliant repairs:

• Claims may be excluded
• Insurance disputes may arise
• Liability exposure increases

Imagine this scenario:

A temporary repair fails.
Cargo damage follows.
Pollution incident occurs.

The first question will not be,
“Why were you under pressure?”

It will be,
“Was Class notified and approval obtained?”

In today’s stricter survey regimes and claims scrutiny environment , early engagement with Class and statutory bodies is not optional — it is protection.

Protection for the vessel.
Protection for the owner.
Protection for the Master’s professional reputation.

#P&I #MarineInsurance #RiskManagement #ShippingClaims #ComplianceMatters

 

⚓ Final Reflection: Repairs Reflect Leadership

Onboard repairs are not just technical actions.

They reflect:

• Decision-making culture
• Communication discipline
• Compliance mindset
• Respect for the vessel

The best Masters and operators I have known share one habit:

When in doubt — inform Class.

Not because they fear consequences.
But because they understand responsibility.

Shipping is evolving.
Standards are tightening.
Scrutiny is increasing.

Let us evolve with it — calmly, professionally, and with integrity.

 

🚢 Let’s Talk

Have you faced pressure to carry out “quick repairs” without full approval?
How do you balance commercial urgency with compliance discipline?

Share your experience below.

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