What is US Longshore and Harbor Diving Insurance?
US Longshore and Harbor Diving Insurance is a specialized maritime liability program designed for diving operations that support longshore, harbor, and offshore activities. It combines employer and general liability protections tailored to diving exposures, often addressing equipment coverage, property damage, and potential third‑party injury claims. This coverage is distinct from standard commercial liability and typically takes into account underwriting factors unique to maritime work, such as dive depth, vessel use, and transportation risks.
Who needs it
Operators who work on or near piers, docks, and harbor facilities commonly seek this coverage—examples include commercial diving contractors, port operators, salvage teams, and marine repair shops. Associations and small organizations that manage dive teams or contract divers may also require it to address participant accident coverage and employer liability. If your operations involve vessel transfer, heavy equipment, or on-site contractors, this policy helps fill gaps that general commercial policies may not cover.
Learn more about related programs such as Harbor Workers Insurance (USL&H) which often intersects with diving exposures when maritime employees are involved.
What it typically covers
Typical coverages include general liability for bodily injury and property damage, employer’s liability for divers, equipment coverage for breathing systems and lift gear, and defense costs. Some policies provide limits for commercial auto exposure when vessels or vehicles transport crew and equipment. Coverage can be structured to respond to diving‑specific perils like entrapment, decompression incidents, or equipment failure.
For operations that extend into construction around docks and piers, complementary protections like those found in Dock and Wharf Construction Insurance may be relevant.
Common exclusions or limitations
Exclusions commonly include intentional acts, punitive damages, certain pollution events unless specifically endorsed, and activities outside stated operational limits (for example, dives deeper than the policy permits). Many carriers also limit coverage for unapproved subcontractors or for equipment maintenance failures. Policy terms can vary, so review exclusions carefully with your broker.
Risk scenario: a diver’s equipment malfunction during a harbor inspection could lead to a third‑party claim for bodily injury and damaged property—understanding equipment coverage and liability limits helps manage that exposure.
Factors that influence cost
Premiums depend on dive depth and frequency, number of employees, type of vessels involved, claims history, safety programs and certifications, and the presence of complex activities like salvage or underwater construction. Strong written safety protocols, regular equipment maintenance records, and diver certifications can reduce underwriting exposure.
Proof of insurance & compliance
Clients, contractors, and port authorities frequently ask for certificates of insurance showing liability limits, endorsements, and additional insured status. Proof requirements vary by client and location; maintain up-to-date certificates and ensure your policy language meets contract obligations without creating disallowed gaps.
How to get a quote
To compare carriers and limits, prepare a summary of operations, dive logs, equipment inventories, safety procedures, and recent loss history. When you’re ready, Get a quote and an underwriter can review specific underwriting questions and available endorsements tailored to your diving operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do standard commercial general liability policies cover diving operations?
Not usually. Standard CGL policies often exclude maritime dive exposures or lack the specific endorsements for diving equipment and employer liability that this specialized coverage provides.
Can subcontracted divers be added to the policy?
Many policies allow for subcontractor endorsements, but carriers typically require documentation of subcontractor qualifications, certificates of insurance, and clear contractual liability allocation before extending coverage.
What records help speed up underwriting?
Underwriters commonly request dive logs, certification records for divers, equipment maintenance schedules, safety manuals, and recent loss runs. Providing these documents upfront can accelerate the quoting process.
Still have questions? Talk to a local insurance expert.