What is marine hull insurance?
Marine hull insurance covers a vessel, its engines and equipment against sinking, collision, fire, theft, piracy and other perils of the sea, lakes and rivers. Most policies can add third-party and passenger liability, which Kenyan law requires every Kenyan ship to carry. Hull cover is separate from marine cargo insurance, which insures the goods a ship carries.
What hull cover can include
Hull and machinery
Damage to or loss of the vessel, engines, fittings and equipment, afloat or laid up.
Third-party liability
Injury to others and damage to other vessels, jetties and port property; required by law for Kenyan ships.
Passenger liability
For ferries, tour boats and water taxis carrying paying passengers.
Salvage and legal costs
Costs of saving the vessel and defending claims.
Theft and piracy
Including outboard engines, a common loss on smaller craft.
Vessels being built
Some insurers cover construction from keel-laying to delivery.
Who we insure
Fishing boats and dhows
Coastal and Lake Victoria fishing craft, wooden or fibreglass.
Passenger boats and ferries
Water taxis, tour boats and ferries, with passenger liability.
Leisure craft
Yachts, speedboats and jet skis on the coast and inland waters.
Commercial vessels
Tugs, barges, supply and survey vessels. P&I for ocean-going ships is arranged through international P&I clubs, with correspondents in Mombasa.
What Kenyan law requires
Every Kenyan ship must carry third-party insurance, including the owner's liability to crew and for loss caused by its cargo, and foreign ships in Kenyan ports must carry the same cover. An owner in breach faces a fine of up to KES 1 million, up to five years in prison, or both (Merchant Shipping Act, s.15).
Kenya's small-vessel rules require a certificate of fitness and a life jacket for everyone on board, and keep passenger vessels (more than 12 passengers) within 5 nautical miles of the shore. They do not themselves require insurance (Small Vessel Safety Regulations 2012).
Source: Merchant Shipping (Small Vessel Safety) Regulations, LN 114/2012
What insurers ask for
- Type, size, age and construction of the vessel
- Engines and their value
- Where it operates and is kept
- Use: fishing, passengers, leisure or commercial
- Skipper's experience and certificates
- Safety equipment and the certificate of fitness
- Value of the vessel, and claims history
Frequently asked questions
What does marine hull insurance cover?
Hull and machinery insurance covers the vessel itself, its engines and equipment against sinking, collision, fire, theft, piracy and other perils of the water. Most policies can add third-party and passenger liability, which is the part the law requires for Kenyan ships.
Is boat insurance compulsory in Kenya?
Third-party insurance is compulsory for every Kenyan ship under the Merchant Shipping Act, s.15. The small-vessel safety rules require a certificate of fitness and life jackets but do not add a separate insurance rule. Insuring the boat itself is your choice, but lenders usually insist on it.
Is there an excess on marine cargo claims?
Usually yes. Insurers set the excess in the quote, often as a fixed amount or a percentage of the claim, and it can be higher for theft, used goods or fragile items. No Kenyan insurer publishes standard excess figures, so compare them when you compare quotes.
What is the difference between marine cargo and goods in transit insurance?
Marine cargo covers imports and exports by sea or air, with the road or rail legs that connect them, and is compulsory for imports. Goods in transit covers your stock moving by road or rail within Kenya and the region. Many importers need both: marine cargo to their warehouse, then goods in transit for distribution.
Why buy marine cover through Naveah instead of a portal?
A portal sells you a certificate; we compare insurers for the right cover level, check the value and terms, and help you if you ever need to claim. Our service is free to you: the insurer pays our commission, and the premium is the insurer's own rate.
Own or operate a vessel?
Tell us the type of vessel, where it operates and its value. We compare hull and liability cover from Kenyan insurers.
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Sources
- Merchant Shipping Act (Cap 389), s.15
- Merchant Shipping (Small Vessel Safety) Regulations, LN 114/2012
Facts and published prices checked 18 Oct 2026; last reviewed October 2026 by Naveah Capital. Rates shown are market estimates before levies, not a quote or a promise. Naveah Capital Insurance Agency is an IRA-licensed insurance agency in Nairobi; this page is general information, and your policy wording decides your cover.
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