Dive Instructor Compulsory Liability Insurance

PADI dive Instructors, as you know, have received details from PADI International Limited regarding compulsory Public Liability Insurance. As from January 1 2005, UK Dive Instructors will be required to show proof of Liability Insurance as a requirement to obtain their Teaching Status Confirmation.

For the UK Dive Trade insured under Dive Master Insurance's "Dive Trade Indigo" liability policy, all dive instructors, assistant dive instructors and divemasters employed by an insured Dive School or Centre are automatically covered under the product's liability component. The use of volunteer and "ad hoc" non-employed staff is also covered.

Dive Master Insurance would like to make it clear that any PADI Professional covered by a "Dive Trade Indigo" who has problems renewing their teaching status can obtain a "Confirmation of Coverage" letter from us stating the dates of coverage and the limits of cover offered. These "Confirmation of Coverage" letters will be provided free of charge to those PADI Professionals working or assisting at a Dive Master Insured Dive School or Dive Centre.

For self-employed Dive Instructors not employed or assisting at a Dive Master "Dive Trade Indigo" insured Dive School or Centre, but who are insured under the Dive Master Insurance ‘ Pro-Diver Public Liability policy', the Pro-Diver benefits and limits currently exceed those required by PADI International Ltd. to renew teaching status. Should PADI International Ltd. require more clarification than a copy of the Certificate and validation card to renew teaching status, we will provide this information and assistance free of charge.

Dive Master Insurance Consultants Ltd. has provided diver related public liability insurance since 1987 and has built a legal defence product second-to-none during this time. Dive Master Insurance provide a quality product with the benefit of an in-house claims team able to respond to the development of a liability matter much more quickly and efficiently than outsourced claims handling companies. Our expertise and understanding of dive-related issues allows us to take early action in defending these matters, thus reducing the time taken to respond to a claim and establishing the defence much earlier. This process provides peace-of-mind to our clients by demonstrating the progression of legal defence almost immediately.

Our policies are structured differently to most Dive Association Products. Here are some of these important differences:

•  We do not apply an ‘Excess' on pre-litigation legal costs or settlements, only on court awarded compensation.

•  Our Pro-Diver Policies cover your recreational diving as well, some other professional policies do not.

•  Your risk with us is insured on a “Claims Incurred” basis during the period of cover, so there are no additional premiums to pay if you take a break from teaching or if you retire. In the case of Employment claims, current advice states you keep a record of your insurance for 40 years and in liability involving a minor until they are aged 21. Given these circumstances we do not provide insurance on a “claims made” basis as you would have to pay to maintain cover during those years where you could still be held responsible.

•  Where necessary Criminal Defence Legal costs can be added in to our policy.

•  Our £2 million and £5 million Pro-Diver Policy limits meet the current UK municipal authority's and the MOD's requirements to allow Hire of a Swimming Pool or Teaching Venue; lower limits may not be acceptable.

•  You do not have to name additional insureds under our policy. Those that act as Principals to you providing either clients to you or training venues are automatically covered for a claim that you cause. Our policies are accepted by most large Hotel Chain Risk Managers and Resort Risk Managers allowing you to contract with them.

•  Our Dive Trade Indigo policy for Dive Schools and Centres is a “one stop” Liability package including failure to give correct advice during teaching; servicing and repair negligence; operating a compressor and mixed gas blender; operating all boats used for business activities up to 15 metres in length; the provision to add other water sports activities.

To find out more about why our liability products are superior to many others available, call our sales team.