North P&I launches new evidence gathering app

The club the app will make gathering evidence easier, faster and more accurate while also making reports more consistent. Incidents covered in the app include those involving people and cargo, vessel-caused incidents like pollution, and incidents related to hull and machinery claims and commercial disputes.

The MRCE Handbook app was developed by North’s loss prevention team using methodologies in The Mariner’s Role in Collecting Evidence Handbook, a publication from North which includes evidence checklists for common incidents and accidents on vessels.

The app was launched on 12 December 2022, is free to access for North entered members and correspondents and is compatible with iPhones, Android phones and tablets.

“Evidence that is gathered and preserved at the time of the incident is invaluable to the resolution of claims and disputes,” said Colin Gillespie, Director (Loss Prevention), North. “Using digital tools to streamline its collection helps with speed and accuracy, making it more likely that a comprehensive and objective record of events is established. Timely collection reinforces the value of evidence, both for pursuing and defending claims.”

“Once the facts are known, they can be used to demonstrate compliance or determine liability, but also to learn and help prevent similar incidents from happening in the future,” said Mike Salthouse, Global Director (Claims), North. “Establishing what really happened and how it happened is critical and, as well as making it easier for mariners to fulfil evidence-gathering duties, The MRCE Handbook app will also help to base safety recommendations on more accurate evidence.

“Mobile devices are commonly used to capture still, and video images as incidents unfold. Having The MRCE Handbook app to hand will increase awareness that formalised evidence gathering and reporting is also required and can be accomplished more easily than ever before.”

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