P&I/H&M Services

Legal expertise for P&I clubs and H&M underwriters

Representing International Group P&I Clubs since 1973, GAC is a recognised leader in the Protection & Indemnity (P&I) and Hull & Machinery (H&M) Correspondent field providing 24/7 incident and claims handling as well as surveying and medical assistance services.

GAC is listed by all the 13 International Group Clubs, Fixed Premiums Clubs and H&M Insurers in the Middle East region. In India, GAC is the only correspondent having offices throughout the country with close access to major and minor ports. We have extensive experience in handling a variety of P&I claims and medical/crew matters for the past 15 years.

When something goes wrong on board a ship during a port call which could lead to a claim, such as cargo damage, crew injury/death, contact damage, collision or pollution, a speedy response is critical from an effective P&I correspondent. Time is of the essence to ensure the full investigation, documentation, and analysis of any claim to assess and minimise any financial exposure as a result of the incident.

Leading P&I correspondent in India

GAC India is now recognised as a leader in the field, providing 24/7 incident and claims handling and surveying services. We are listed with major P&I clubs in India. GAC India has the best panel of surveyors available at every port, including remote areas.

Our Indian P&I team of experienced, dedicated claims handlers with considerable legal and technical expertise are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, all year round, to attend to incidents promptly and proactively. GAC’s LoU (Letter of Undertakings) on behalf of P&I Clubs is accepted by most receivers, ports and terminals. Our excellent relationships with local authorities and port officials help to expedite case handling and minimise principal’s financial exposure.

Our services include:

  • In-house lawyer/legal consultant
  • Preferential rates with local surveyors and lawyers
  • (Damaged) cargo handling, LOU issuance, legal assistance
  • Repatriate, settle compensation, medical assistance, logistics and legal assistance in case of illness, injury or death
  • Handle claims by receivers, ports
  • Appoint surveyors for all types of survey – Hull & machinery, initial/final draft, collision, crane damage, discharge, loading surveys
  • Re-issuance of void old B/Ls
  • Stevedore damage/Bunkering dispute/Damage to containers
  • Assist with settling claims on liabilities that could arise when being towed or when towing another ship
  • Manage pollution incidents and handle pollution compensation claims
  • Handle wreck removal cases
  • Appoint surveyors/lawyers and liaise with authorities in cases of grounding, fire & bad weather
  • Provide P&I confirmation letter for vessels before arriving at port, which is a mandatory requirement by certain Indian ports

Medical support

GAC India also acts as correspondent for the leading Medical Assistance Principals. Our excellent local knowledge and relations with local authorities, embassies and hospitals ensure that we can make the best arrangements for: medical evacuations, doctors’ visits, air and road ambulance transportation, liaison and follow-up with hospitals or clinics, hotel accommodation, special travel arrangements, visa requirements; repatriation of human remains, and medical escorts, where necessary.

Every year, GAC offices worldwide handle more than 3000 P&I claims and more than 2500 medical assistance cases.

Contact us at [email protected] for more information.

Let’s start a conversation

We are here and ready to help you to achieve your business needs. Let’s start a conversation today.

GAC India
Cochin; Main Office

GAC House, P.B. No. 515 Subramanian Road Willingdon Island Cochin, Kochi

Ravi Ramachandran

Managing Director