Research Corporation
of the University of Hawai‘i
2.404 Utilizing and Chartering Marine Vessels
UH-Owned Marine Vessel
All principal investigators, scientists, and other individuals contemplating the use of a UH-
owned marine vessel must contact the Marine Superintendent at the University of Hawai‘i
Marine Center to ensure that the proper insurance coverage is in place for the vessel, before
the vessel is utilized. Contact RCUH Human Resources for questions regarding the
applicability of workers’ compensation coverage for RCUH employees while at sea.
I. Responsibilities
A. Principal Investigator
1. Seek Marine Superintendent approval prior to utilizing a UH-owned marine vessel
or chartering a non-UH-owned marine vessel.
2. Ensure all vendors have met the insurance requirements in Policy 2.402
Insurance Requirements (Vendors).
III. Chartering a Non-UH-Owned Marine Vessel
All principal investigators, scientists, and other individuals chartering marine vessels must
ascertain the adequacy of insurance coverage. Contact RCUH Human Resources for
questions regarding the applicability of workers’ compensation coverage for RCUH
employees while at sea.
A. RCUH Insurance – All principal investigators, scientists, and other individuals
contemplating a charter of a non-UH-owned marine vessel, for cost or no cost, must
first obtain the approval of the Marine Superintendent at the University of Hawai‘i
Marine Center, if any RCUH or UH employees will be onboard. Any charter that does
not obtain the Marine Superintendent’s approval will not be deemed an official
RCUH charter and will not receive the benefit of general or employee liability and
injury coverage. Charters lacking prior approval shall be at the risk of the
individual(s), not RCUH. The purpose of this prior approval is to ascertain whether
the proposed charter can be covered under RCUH’s existing marine insurance
policy. If no RCUH or UH employees will be onboard, the approval of the Marine
Superintendent is not required.
1. The following information must be provided to the Marine Superintendent (the
Marine Superintendent’s contact information is available
at: http://www.soest.hawaii.edu/UMC/cms/).
a. Name of the vessel to be chartered.
b. Length of the vessel to be chartered.
c. Estimated value of the vessel to be chartered.
d. Type of charter (i.e., time charter (boat owner remains in charge of the boat
and provides the captain and crew) or bareboat charter (owner provides only
the boat). A copy of the proposed charter agreement should also be provided.
e. Inclusive dates of the charter.
f. Travel destinations/locations covered by the charter.
g. Number and type of employees (e.g., RCUH, UH, etc.).
h. Business purpose and justification or need for the charter.
2. If coverage is available under RCUH’s existing marine insurance policy, any
associated costs (if any) will be borne by the person or project requesting the
charter.
3. If coverage is not available under RCUH’s existing marine insurance policy, or if
the project wishes to obtain a different type of coverage due to the unique
requirements of the charter (e.g., if the vessel will be used multiple times
throughout the year), a supplemental policy endorsement may be purchased. All
costs for the additional insurance will be borne by the person or project
requesting the charter.
4. No charter will be approved without adequate insurance.
B.
Vendor’s Insurance
– The vendor must maintain, at its own expense, Protection &
Indemnity Insurance with limits of at least $5,000,000 per occurrence. If the project
is based both onboard the vessel and on land, Marine General Liability Insurance is
also required, with limits of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000
per project aggregate. All such insurance shall name the RCUH and the State of
Hawaii as additional insureds. UH Projects should also list the University of Hawai‘i
as an additional insured. Refer to Policy 2.402 Insurance Requirements (Vendors).
IV. Liability Waivers
A.
UH-Owned Marine Vessel
– All non-crew members and other personnel/passengers
onboard a UH-owned marine vessel (including UH or RCUH employees) are required
to complete a Release and Consent form obtained from the University of Hawai‘i
Marine Center.
B.
Chartered Non-UH-Owned Vessel
– All non-RCUH and non-UH employees onboard a
chartered marine vessel should complete RCUH’s Consent, Waiver, Release and
Indemnity Agreement and Medical Consent Form – Adult, or Consent, Waiver,
Release and Indemnity Agreement and Medical Consent Form – Minor.
