Although individual claims of more than $5,000 for protection 

 and indemnity insurance represented 83 percent of all paid losses 

 in California, the same size claims made up only 52 percent of all 

 paid losses in New England. Importance of l8trge awards for pro- 

 tection and indemnity claims appears less impressive in New England 

 than was widely quoted throughout the region. Consequently, there 

 seems to be a tendency to overestimate the importajice of a few large 

 claims and underestimate the importance of frequent petty claims. 



It was also found that small and petty hull and protection 

 and indemnity insurgince claims were relatively more frequent in 

 New England than elsewhere. In view of the fact that this develop- 

 ment is partly the result of small deductibles in the axea and that 

 certain expenses for the adjustment of cleiims are incurred irrespec- 

 tive of the size of claim, insurers may be able to improve their 

 loss experience in New England aind in the Gulf Area for hull 

 insurance by increasing the deductible amounts. 



Although the physical, inadequacies of commercial fishing 

 vessels may have contributed to the frequency and severity of 

 accidents, it is the human factor which is of paramount importance. 

 With occasional exceptions to the rule, the captain, the engineer, 

 and the crew lack the necessary training which will help them to 

 perform their respective duties with maximum safety, both to the 

 vessel and themselves. 



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