Seasonal Crew, Rising Temps: MEL Insurance In The Summer Months

Summer’s arrival brings a familiar shift for maritime operations — more vessels in motion, more seasonal crew onboard, and more unpredictable conditions on the water. With added headcount and heightened environmental risks like extreme heat, the likelihood of accidents or injuries rises. That’s why maritime employers liability should be top of mind for insurance agents preparing clients for seasonal staffing surges.

Understanding MEL Insurance Gaps

Many employers believe state workers’ compensation or USL&H coverage fully protects their crew. That’s not always the case. Maritime employers’ liability insurance is designed to close the coverage gaps that emerge when employees step onto vessels, especially when those vessels are owned or operated by third parties or used only temporarily by the employer.

MEL is critical when workers are injured while working on board vessels not defined as their “own.” These exposures typically fall outside the scope of traditional land-based comp policies, leaving employers financially vulnerable if no MEL coverage is in place.

Summer Risks for Seasonal Workers

The summer months don’t just bring more vessels — they bring more pressure. Higher temperatures increase the risk of heatstroke, dehydration, and fatigue, especially for new or temporary workers unfamiliar with maritime safety protocols. Vessel traffic also intensifies, heightening the potential for onboard injuries, slips and falls, and equipment-related incidents.

Seasonal workers often receive less training and may not be acclimated to the nuances of marine environments. This situation adds a layer of liability exposure that standard policies aren’t always structured to handle. MEL coverage bridges that gap, protecting employers against claims that can arise from these short-term employment scenarios.

Who Needs MEL Coverage Most

Agents should encourage the following operations to evaluate their exposure and consider MEL coverage.

• Marine construction crews: These professionals frequently work on barges and floating platforms not owned by their employer.
• Artisan contractors: Electricians, welders, and mechanics often board vessels for short projects, creating exposure.
• Survey teams: Environmental or geotechnical surveyors regularly access third-party vessels during fieldwork.
• Marine scientists: Academic or private researchers often perform onboard activities in unpredictable marine environments.

Even temporary or incidental vessel use can create significant liability exposure. Standard workers’ comp and marine policies often exclude injuries that occur in these scenarios. MEL coverage is essential to protect employers from claims that fall outside traditional policy limits, especially when employees work aboard vessels they don’t own or control.

How Merrimac Marine Helps Agents Respond

Merrimac Marine understands that summer hiring presents complicated coverage questions. Our team is equipped to assess gray areas in exposure, like when a worker performs tasks on an unfamiliar vessel or splits time between land and sea.

With deep industry insight, a broad carrier network, and a proven ability to build tailored programs, Merrimac Marine helps agents respond confidently to clients’ seasonal insurance needs. Our underwriting experience and specialized knowledge allow us to design MEL solutions that align with real-world risks.

Don’t Let Summer Exposures Go Uncovered

As vessel activity peaks and employers bring on less experienced crews, the protection provided by maritime employers’ liability insurance becomes even more critical. It safeguards against liabilities that fall outside the scope of conventional policies, especially during the volatile summer months.

Now is the time for agents to help clients evaluate their workforce structure, spot MEL coverage gaps, and close them before claims arise. Contact Merrimac Marine Insurance today to learn how you can help your clients navigate summer staffing safely and confidently.

About Merrimac Marine Insurance

At Merrimac Marine, we are dedicated to providing insurance for the marine industry to protect your clients’ businesses and assets. For more information about our products and programs, contact our specialists today at (800) 681-1998.