October 14, 2025

Commercial tuna fishing is one of the most demanding operations in the maritime industry. From the expansive voyages across the Pacific to the heavy-duty equipment involved, owners and operators of tuna purse seiners face unique risks that require specialized insurance coverage. Understanding these risks—and ensuring you’re properly covered—is critical to protecting your investment, your crew, and your catch.

What Makes Tuna Purse Seiners Unique?

Purse seiner vessels are designed for large-scale fishing operations. They use specialized nets that encircle and capture entire schools of tuna, making them incredibly effective—but also dependent on complex and costly gear. These vessels often operate far offshore for extended periods, increasing the exposure to harsh weather, mechanical failures, and unexpected incidents at sea.

The scope of a tuna fishing operation goes beyond the vessel itself. The gear, the catch, and the crew all represent significant liabilities. That’s why standard commercial fishing vessel insurance may fall short when applied to purse seiners.

Why Specialized Coverage Matters

At Pacific Ocean Marine Insurance Brokers, Inc., we understand the unique needs of the tuna fleet. We offer tailored insurance solutions specifically designed for purse seiner vessels, providing protection beyond basic hull and machinery policies. Our coverage is built to reflect the high-stakes nature of tuna fishing and the full value of your operation.

What’s Included in Tuna Vessel Insurance?

A comprehensive policy for a tuna purse seiner should include:

• Hull & Machinery Insurance: Covers physical damage to the vessel due to collisions, fire, grounding, or mechanical breakdowns.
• Protection & Indemnity (P&I): Provides liability coverage for injuries to crew, damage to third-party property, and pollution incidents.
• Catch & Cargo Insurance: Protects your onboard catch from loss or damage during transit or storage.
• Nets & Gear Coverage: Insures high-value fishing nets, reels, winches, and auxiliary equipment, including coverage for in-water exposures.

Depending on your operation, coverage may also extend to shore-side storage, processing facilities, and international transit of cargo.

Tailored Service for the Tuna Industry

Because no two tuna operations are exactly alike, we work directly with vessel owners and fleet managers to assess each risk and customize insurance plans accordingly. Our deep experience in the commercial marine industry allows us to structure policies that reflect your operational realities, not generic assumptions.

We also understand the urgency of your business. Our claims support is available year-round, and our priority is always to minimize downtime so you can get back to fishing as quickly as possible.

Let’s Protect What Keeps You Going

Operating a tuna purse seiner comes with heavy investment and high risk—but also great reward. Having the right insurance coverage is not just a regulatory requirement; it’s a key part of running a successful and resilient operation.

Pacific Ocean Marine Insurance Brokers, Inc. is here to support your fleet with experience, responsiveness, and coverage that works as hard as you do. Whether you manage one vessel or an entire fleet, contact us today to discuss your insurance needs and request a custom quote.