Simple decision that's beset with complications

AT first glance, it seems a simple decision to take. A crew member has been so seriously injured that they cannot be flown to their home country immediately. Concerned family members want to be with their loved one. Should the shipowner, and that means in practice his insurer, pay the costs of flying them to a distant port and putting them up in a hospital until the injured person is well enough to travel home?

Actually, this simple question can get very complicated. Major marine mutual liability insurer UK P&I Club has just issued guidance outlining considerations when sending family to support a sick or injured crew member.

Medical care costs are famously expensive in the US so it is not surprising the guidance has been written by…