Athens Regulation - Compulsory insurance

On 1 January 2013 the regulation (EC) No 392/2009, also known as the Athens Regulation, comes into force in Sweden, requiring certain passenger ships to have insurance in the event of death of or personal injury to passengers caused by a shipping incident, as well as against the loss of or damage to luggage. For the fulfilment of the insurance requirements to be easily verifiable, ships must also carry a certificate issued by the Swedish Transport Agency.

The insurance requirements for certain passenger ships are found in Regulation (EC) No 392/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the liability of carriers of passengers by sea in the event of accidents (the Athens Regulation).

The vessels covered by the regulation are:

• Passenger ships in international traffic
• Passenger ships in sea area A or B

The Swedish Transport Agency shall issue a certificate for these ships, stating that there is an insurance or other financial security satisfying the requirements of the Athens Regulation.

An application for a certificate shall be sent to the Swedish Transport Agency. The application must be accompanied by a certificate from the insurer stating that the insurance or financial security covers the liability of the carrier according to the Athens Regulation.