P&i Claims Interview

Can you explain your experience handling P&I claims and how it relates to this position?

I don't have any direct experience in handling P&I Claims but I do have significant experience in handling a range of standard and complex issues at my current workplace. I manage issues from clients, members of the public and various government bodies as part of my role as Deputy Harbour Master,

Your answer acknowledges your lack of direct P&I claims experience while highlighting relevant skills you've acquired in your current role as Deputy Harbour Master. While it demonstrates your ability to handle complex issues and interact with various stakeholders, it may fall short by not connecting these experiences directly to the specific requirements of a P&I claims management role.

To improve your response, consider the following suggestions:

1. Highlight Relevant Skills: Specify skills from your current role that are transferable to handling P&I claims, such as negotiation, risk assessment, problem-solving, or communication. For instance, you could mention how resolving disputes with government bodies has equipped you to handle claims-related negotiations.

2. Show Willingness to Learn: Emphasize your eagerness to learn about P&I claims specifically and how your existing skills can help you quickly adapt to this area.

3. Provide Examples: If possible, briefly share an example of a relevant situation you handled that showcases your capability in managing claims or similar issues, reinforcing your adaptability and problem-solving skills.

4. Align with P&I Goals: Tie your past experiences back to the goals of P&I claims management, like ensuring compliance or mitigating financial risk.

Revised example: "While I don't have direct experience in P&I claims, my role as Deputy Harbour Master has required me to manage complex issues and collaborate with various stakeholders, akin to the P&I claims process. For example, I have effectively negotiated with government bodies to resolve maritime disputes, demonstrating my ability to handle claims-related negotiations. I am eager to leverage my skills in risk assessment and conflict resolution in a P&I context, and I'm committed to quickly learning the nuances of this area."

Rating: 3/5. Your answer provides a foundation but needs more detail and a clearer connection to P&I claims management.

Describe a complex P&I claim you've managed. What strategies did you employ for its resolution?

While not a P&I claim I have recently carried out a high level investigation at the Port of Tyne with regards a crew member being involved in a high severity near miss while conducting a pilot transfer. I was involved in the entire process having initially administered first aid, interviewed all parties, investigated the issues and gathered evidence and then worked with the Marine H&S rep to determine the root cause and any potential actions to be carried out. This was later fully reviewed with a larger team using a five why's model which concluded the same thing I had. I then gathered together the team and took them through a review of the risk assessment, rewrote the procedure and then retrained each crew member to ensure the incident could not occur again.

The main strategy I used was to keep an open mind throughout and follow the evidence rather than rely only on people's strong feelings. Being methodical allowed me to gather evidence significant to make a satisfactory report and conclusion to the senior leadership team.

Your answer provides a strong foundation by describing a structured approach to managing a complex situation involving crew safety, which is relevant to claims management, especially in the context of P&I (Protection and Indemnity). However, since the question specifically asks for a complex P&I claim, your example, while relevant in terms of risk management and safety investigation, does not directly address P&I claims, which often involve liabilities related to third-party claims, property damage, or injury incidents involving the vessel or crew.

Here are a few points to consider for improving your answer:

1. Direct Relevance: Modify your example to explicitly relate to a P&I claim scenario—ideally, one that includes an actual claim for damages or injuries that required negotiation or resolution strategy involving insurers or legal entities.

2. Clear Strategies: Highlight specific strategies employed for resolution beyond just the investigative aspect. This could include negotiations with claimants, working with legal teams, or handling communications with the insurer.

3. Outcome Emphasis: Include the outcomes of your actions—not just the process. Demonstrating how your actions positively influenced the claim's resolution would give more weight to your effectiveness in claims management.

4. Reflective Learning: Consider mentioning how this experience shaped your approach to future claims or influenced procedures within your organization.

Based on these points, I would rate your answer 3.5/5. It's detailed and methodical but lacks direct reference to a P&I claim's specific challenges and resolutions. By honing in on P&I aspects and showcasing the impact of your actions, you could enhance your response significantly.

How do you maintain effective communication with Members and brokers throughout the claims process?

I consider effective communication the cornerstone of a successful claims process. As the brokers effectively act as the intermediary between the P&I club and the ship owner having a successful and open relationship with the broker will allow for accurate and timely information to be passed between the parties to facilitate the process. The broker will provide documentation and help clarify details and will held advise the shipowner of the coverage they need and address any gaps in coverage.

Getting to know the broker and what they need and then helping provide it is the fundamental area I look to do.

Your answer highlights the importance of effective communication in the claims process, which is a crucial aspect of claims management. You correctly identify the broker's role as an intermediary and the need for a strong relationship to ensure seamless communication between the parties involved. Your mention of understanding the broker's needs and providing timely information is also pertinent.

However, your response could benefit from a bit more depth. For example, you might expand on specific communication strategies you would employ, such as regular updates, setting clear expectations, and creating a structured communication plan. Discussing the use of technology (like claims management systems or communication platforms) can also showcase your proactive approach. Furthermore, including how you would handle challenges or miscommunications could enhance your answer, demonstrating your problem-solving skills.

In summary, while your answer covers the foundational elements of effective communication, elaborating on specific strategies and outcomes would strengthen it.

Rating: 3.5/5.