Maritime shipping is important in the transport of heavy and bulky goods over long distances. That is especially so where time is not an important factor. However, goods, passengers, and the ship are often exposed to perils of the sea and other water bodies which if uncontrolled, can result in both financial and life losses. Steps should be taken to minimize all such risks. Technological advancements have also resulted in the need for a change in the way maritime businesses are operated.

Marine insurance policies

Marine insurance policies protect against business losses incurred during water transport operations. These include the hull and machinery insurance policy, cargo policies, and freight insurance. Hull and machinery policy covers physical loss or damage to the hull of a ship and any equipment and machinery used for activities such as cargo handling. It covers losses or damage caused by major perils such as collisions, earthquakes, and general perils of water bodies. Besides, some packages cover even losses arising from privacy. Freight insurance offers protection to shipping corporations that lose money in the form of freight in case the cargo is lost due to an accident. Marine cargo insurance caters specifically to the cargo carried by ship and the belongings during a voyage. It protects the cargo owner against damage or loss of cargo and delays of the voyage or offloading. Marine insurance protects you from incurring losses in the event of a peril, therefore, ensuring that your business succeeds.

Safety of the employees

The safety of sailors during a voyage must be guaranteed. Providing protective clothing in the ship is imperative. Well-fitting clothing is preferred because loose clothing can get caught in the machinery during emergencies. Shoes with slip-resistant soles should be worn at all times in the ship to avoid slips and falls. Besides, protective equipment such as life-jackets, goggles, and safety helmets must be available on the ship. They protect the seafarers from any harm and ensure there are no casualties due to lack of life-saving equipment. The ship’s crew should know where such equipment is stored and should be trained on how to use them. Moreover, safety equipment for the entire crew such as life-boats, fire extinguishers, and emergency medical equipment must be present on the ship. Containers should be securely tied at all times to avoid their dislocation when a ship lurches suddenly. When containers dislocate, they may cause bodily harm to the ship’s crew. Moreover, flammable cargo should be stored away from the passengers to enhance safety. All cargo must also be labeled and stored according to their nature.

Tracking systems

Vessel tracking systems provide the location of a ship. The location of the ship, its route, and the course can be identified at any given time. By pinpointing the exact location and position of the vessel in the water, tracking devices come in handy, especially during emergencies. By using tracking technology such as GPS, the captain knows which routes to take and the courses to avoid. The information is necessary for the ship’s navigation. Tracking technology enables long-range connectivity between ships and between a ship and coast guards.

Just like all other businesses, the success of a maritime business is pegged on multiple factors. The above-discussed tips are some of the essential factors that prospective entrepreneurs may consider while looking to join the sector.