Tiare Taporro/Kelaba incident

I fully support Jim Donald's position on uninsured boats not participating in organized rallies such as Sail Indonesia. A large numbers of boats in any one location always carries the risk of collision, especially in open roadstead anchorages as used at many of the Sail Indonesia designated stops. Rally organisers should require evidence of adequate 3rd party liability insurance from any boat seeking entrance to the rally. In my opinion, marinas should do likewise before permitting a boat to enter its waters, for similar concerns. I am not advocating the crazy A$10million levels of insurance required by most Australian marinas, but rather, something more reasonable.

It's one thing for a boater to not carry insurance for his particular vessel - that's his choice, but it is completely irresponsible to not carry 3rd party liability insurance. The reasoning one might adopt at the time of forgoing liability insurance, like "it won't happen to me", or, "if it does, I will do the right thing", is only good at the time of deciding whether to carry insurance or not.

Unfortunately, the reality is that when mishaps happen, as they will, things often end up in the situation being faced by Tiare Tapporo in its dealings with the owners of Kealba who appear to have forgotten their responsibility.

Neil Scott
S/V Galatea