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Wqis News

14 Jul 2020

Phillips Joins WQIS as Senior Underwriter

John P. Phillips

The Water Quality Insurance Syndicate (WQIS) appointed John P. Phillips as Senior Underwriter based in Houston, TX. Phillips will report to Justin A. Mongello in New York, NY."We are very excited to have John join the WQIS team as he brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and first-hand knowledge of WQIS' customers and our broker partners. For certain a great addition to our team," said Justin.Phillips was most recently Head of Marine Programs at Aspen Insurance U.S.-based in Houston, in charge of the development and management of all Specialty Marine Programs throughout the Americas.

14 Jul 2016

Harry Diamond Celebrates 21 Yrs at WQIS

Harry Diamond, Vice President and Chief Claims Officer at WQIS, is celebrating 21 years with the company this year. Diamond is a graduate of LaSalle University with Bachelor of Arts degrees in social studies education and history; he also holds an Associate degree in Risk Management. He began his insurance career right out of college when he was hired by a brokerage firm whose main client was Keystone Shipping Company. Diamond continued with the firm for four years until he changed his career path because of “an itch that needed to be scratched” – his desire to be a teacher. For the next six years, Diamond taught eighth grade at St. Mary’s Interparochial School in the Society Hill area of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

18 Nov 2014

WQIS President Hobbie to Retire

Richard Hobbie III (Photo: WQIS)

Richard Hobbie III will retire from his position as President & CEO of the Water Quality Insurance Syndicate (WQIS) after four decades as underwriter, claims manager and board member. Hobbie and the board of managers have agreed upon January 1, 2015 as his official retirement date, and Rich will be available as a consultant to WQIS until Dec. 31, 2017 under the agreement. “This is something that I’ve been considering for a while now, but I needed to feel absolutely sure that WQIS was going to be in good hands,” Hobbie said.

13 Jun 2014

WQIS to Release New Policy Form for 2014

On June 16, 2014 the Water Quality Insurance Syndicate (WQIS) will offer a new 2014 Worldwide Vessel Pollution Form. The new policy form will contain enhanced coverage that will follow the WQIS tradition of offering assureds the most comprehensive vessel pollution coverage in the industry. “We are constantly monitoring the market and researching how we can better support our assureds in an ever-changing world,” said Richard H. Hobbie III, WQIS President and CEO. Inclusion of State Fines and Penalties with an increased sub-limit to $1,000,000. 100% of Additional Public Relations coverage (formerly 80%). An increase in the Criminal Defense Limit without prior approval to $10,000; an increase in the per occurrence limit for Criminal Defense and the annual aggregate sub-limit to $100,000.

19 May 2014

Interview: Rich Hobbie, Water Quality Insurance Syndicate (WQIS)

 Rich Hobbie

An interview with Rich Hobbie, the leader of the Water Quality Insurance Syndicate (WQIS), the largest underwriter of pollution liability insurance for marine vessels in the United States. Can you give our readers an overview of your business today. The Premium income and growth factors in the marine insurance industry are very stagnant right now. And competition is quite heavy in all areas. In the U.S. market and in the marine market in general, there are new players. The London market has gotten more aggressive over here.

30 Jan 2014

Court Denies WQIS Motion for Injunction

A New York State Supreme Court Judge has ruled against WQIS in a dispute involving the marine pollution insurance arena. According to Safe Harbor, this is the second ruling against WQIS in its attempt to prevent start-up Safe Harbor Pollution Insurance from entering the insurance space where WQIS has been the dominant market for the past 40 years. In a prepared statement, Safe Harbor President Michael Falvey stated, "We are pleased with the decision, and that the Court saw WQIS's 'evidence' for what it was—insufficient." Russell Brown, Principal of Safe Harbor, also in a prepared stattement, added that he was pleased with the Court's ruling and is looking forward to building the finest marine pollution insurance company without the threat of continual legal issues.

24 Jun 2013

Puttick Joins WQIS as Assistant VP of Claims

The Water Quality Insurance Syndicate said that Ryan Puttick joined the team as Assistant Vice President of Claims. He brings almost a decade of extensive marine insurance claims knowledge and experience to this industry pioneer. “We are extremely excited to have Ryan join us,” says WQIS President & CEO Richard Hobbie. Ryan Puttick came to WQIS from Charles Taylor P&I Management, Inc. Standard P&I Club where he was the Claims Director for the past 9 years. Puttick received his Juris Doctor from New York Law School in 2004 and was admitted to the Bar in the States of New York and New Jersey that same year. He graduated in 2000 from the United States Merchant Marine Academy with a Bachelors of Science in Marine Transportation.

19 Jun 2013

Pollution Liability Underwriters WQIS, Make Appointments, Share Business Insights

WQIS has learned that even market leaders and pioneers need to stay dynamic and never get complacent. Shaking things up can break barriers for even the strongest organizations. By insuring some 35,000 vessels, across every major waterway in the US, WQIS says it has earned the backing of 16 of the largest insurance companies in the United States. For a company with these credentials, it would be easy to settle into a routine. “Just because we’re the market leader does not mean we can get comfortable in our position,” says WQIS CEO, Richard Hobbie. “We are always setting new goals for ourselves to be the ultimate resource for our clients. In the last few months, there has been an influx of talent to support the strength of WQIS, especially the underwriting and claims departments.

18 Apr 2013

WQIS Strengthens Underwriting Department

John Moy has joined the team at Water Quality Insurance Syndicate as Vice President of Underwriting. John will lead the WQIS underwriting department. John came to WQIS from Crum & Forster where he served as the Vice President of United States Fire Insurance Company for the past five years. Previous to his tenure there, he was the Regional Underwriting Manager at XL America, working in marine and offshore energy insurance. With a Bachelors of Science in Marine Transportation from Kings Point, Moy started his career as a naval architect before becoming a marine liability insurance underwriter. He also honorably served as a Lieutenant Commander in  the US Naval Reserve until 2012.

27 Mar 2013

WQIS Bolsters Executive, Support Staff

The Water Quality Insurance Syndicate welcomed new Senior Vice President, John Ryszetnyk to the team. A graduate of Kings Point, The United States Merchant Marine Academy, Ryszetnyk holds a USCG 3rd Mate Unlimited Tonnage License and is a former U.S. Naval Officer. This will be Ryszetnyk’s second term at WQIS, having previously served as an Underwriter from 1999 to 2003. Along with Ryszetnyk, two more team members are also joining the WQIS ranks: Angela Konetzni and James Q. Stevens. Konetzni, previously an Assistant Claims Manager at WQIS, has returned after a short hiatus and will be working as a consultant in the claims department. Stevens is the former head of marine insurance for Scottsdale Insurance Company and is bringing his 40+ years of experience to WQIS.

14 Mar 2013

WQIS Offerred American Salvage Association Membership

Photo: WQIS

The Water Quality Insurance Syndicate (WQIS) were accepted as a Corporate Associate member of the American Salvage Association (ASA) in a unanimous decision by their executive committee. The ASA is an association of professional salvors that strives to professionalize, educate and thereby improve marine casualty response. Established in 2000, the ASA endeavors to bring together regulatory authorities, environmental agencies, shipowners and underwriters to ensure open communication and better protect the general public and the environment.

28 Jul 2011

WQIS Celebrates 40th Anniversary

Forty years is a considerable amount of time in any case, but for the marine pollution liability industry, it’s an entire lifetime. WQIS, which essentially founded the industry in 1971, is celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2011 with signature moments taking place throughout the year. The anchor event was a cocktail party at The Public House in New York’s midtown. Attended by close to 300 industry professionals, it was a veritable who’s-who of the marine industry. “We wanted an event that was simple and elegant, but that really said ‘thank you’ to all of those in attendance, as they’re the ones who have helped us reach this milestone,” said Richard Hobbie, President of WQIS. “This is a big deal for us,” said Russ Brown, Executive Vice President of WQIS.

29 Jul 2011

WQIS Issues New Policy Form

The WQIS Policy Form 2007 will be switched over to the WQIS Worldwide Vessel Pollution Policy Form 2011 on September 1, 2011. The new form was released on June 1, 2011 and will be applicable to new and renewal businesses on or after that date. The new 2011 form was developed to better reflect the current state of the industry: enhancing coverage where gaps existed, improving organization, providing simplification and adjusting to recent legal decisions. Visit WQIS.com to learn about the specific changes in the new policy. Clients who wish to continue on with the 2007 Policy Form, subject to certain amended conditions, may do so by negotiating with your underwriter before August 31, 2011.

28 Mar 2010

WQIS Bunks in New Quarters

Water Quality Insurance Syndicate (WQIS) is moving into new premises at the end of March. The move from 80 Broad Street to 60 Broad Street is being made, in part, to facilitate greater employee cross-functional access and communication. WQIS hired architect Alan Gaynor + Co. P.C. to redesign the space for optimum contact between departments. Gaynor, who was responsible for the award-winning lobby design of the current WQIS headquarters, has their work cut out for them to one-up their last creation, which was modeled on the hull of a ship. The new sailboat-inspired teak lobby will once again be the center point, but the utilitarian functionality of the main workspace will be the real highlight. Telephone, fax and email communication with WQIS remains the same.

11 Jan 2010

WQIS Holds Covered, No Premium Increase

The United States Coast Guard announced that effective January 23, 2010, they will be increasing fines and other civil monetary penalties to account for inflation in accordance with the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990, as amended by the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996. Water Quality Insurance Syndicate (WQIS) announces that as an accommodation to their Assureds, they are automatically holding covered – at no additional premium – the new limits under Coverage D (limited fines and penalties) until the policy expires. The adjusted maximum penalty amount authorized by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act and provided for in Coverage D is now $190,000.

17 Jun 2009

WQIS Launches Vessel General Permit Policy

In 1977 the Congress enacted the Clean Water Act and for over 30 years the EPA regulations excluded vessels from the system of permits required under the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). Lawsuits by environmental interests challenged this exclusion and as of December 19, 2008 this exemption has been eliminated. All vessels with discharges of pollutants incidental to their normal operation within the U.S. three-mile territorial sea or inland waters need permit coverage under the Vessel General Permit. The types of discharges are not limited to ballast water but incorporate approximately 28 discharge types. These discharge types include deck washdown and runoff…

28 Apr 2009

WQIS Guarantee for IMO Bunker Convention

On November 21, 2008, The International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage, 2001 (IMO Bunker Convention) entered into force establishing shipowner liability for spills of oil when carried as fuel in ships’ bunkers. In the months since its inception, 12 additional countries have adopted the Convention, bringing the total number to 38. Importantly, this affects 75.5% of world tonnage, according to Lloyd's Register/Fairplay World Fleet Statistics, 31 December 2007. Water Quality Insurance Syndicate (WQIS) is authorized by the majority of the flag states to provide the financial guarantee needed to obtain the certificate vessels must produce in compliance of this Convention.

18 Jan 2009

WQIS Prepared for COFR Limit Increase

On July 11, 2006 the President signed into law Title VI of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006, which increased the limits of liability for vessels under OPA 90. It also split the tank vessel category into single and double hulls with single hulls having higher limits. Those limits went into effect in 2006. However, the requirement for evidence of financial responsibility required to obtain a Certificate of Financial Responsibility (COFR) was not increased at that point. Meaning, existing COFRs remained valid. By a notice in the Federal Register/Vol. 73, No.181/Wednesday, September 17, 2008 the Coast Guard promulgated regulations implementing the new COFR regulations to take effect from January 15, 2009. As of that date, the financial guaranty or insurance to the U.S.

12 Oct 2001

WQIS Broadens Coverage

The U.S. has the most stringent marine pollution liability laws of any country on the planet. But now the states are making the laws even tougher for the marine community. WQIS, the Water Quality Insurance Syndicate, announces two new insurance endorsements to protect the marine community from increased state legislation. WQIS provides a new option to cover state spill requirements even when they are broader in scope than the Federal Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90). In the past, when a federal officer signs off on effective cleanup of a spill and a state official demands further cleanup, the assured has been unprotected for additional cleanup costs. WQIS' broader in scope coverage removes the gap that exists between new state requirements and federal legislation.

26 Sep 2001

When is a victory, not a victory?

As recent events have shown, no single judicial action is likely to have as much impact on the maritime community in the next decade as the Supreme Court?s U.S. v. Locke (Intertanko) decision. Last year, the Supreme Court ruled unanimously that a state could not impose tanker safety standards that exceeded the federal standards set by the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90). At the time, it was widely hailed as a major victory for tanker owners. The decision appeared to limit states? ability to regulate shipping; but on second glance, something far more dangerous to the maritime community was contained within. The Supreme Court outlined a road map for how any state could pass legislation and implement regulations with far reaching implications. The gist of the legal loophole is this. U.S.

11 Jun 2002

WQIS honored by Flag Raised on Peking

The Water Quality Insurance Syndicate was recently honored by a small flag raising ceremony as its flag was hoisted high atop the Peking, a retired vessel permanentlydocked as part of the South Street Seaport Museum in lower Manhattan. the South Street Seaport museum. States, and is dedicated to providing the broadest coverage in marine pollution liability and creating the most responsive organization to serve the needs of its clients. powered only by wind. manufactured goods to South America and to return via Cape Horn with nitrate. and towed to her current home at Pier 16. as tall as an 18-story building, the Peking is one of the largest sailing vessels ever built and the largest preserved by a museum. The Peking is open to visitors of the museum daily from 10am to 6pm.

16 Aug 2001

WQIS Marks 30th Anniversary

The U.S. has the most stringent, comprehensive marine pollution laws of any country on the planet. The last 30 years have marked an evolution from little legal enforcement to strict liability for marine pollution. One company, WQIS, a provider of marine pollution liability insurance in the U.S., celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Two events proved pivotal in developing the United States' liability enforcement of marine pollution laws. In 1967, the Torrey Canyon spill off the Scilly Isles in England provided some of the most shocking images ever seen in marine pollution cleanup. Faced with an overwhelming spill and the inability to contain it, Royal Air Force fighter planes dropped napalm bombs in an effort to burn off the oil and sink the ship.

06 Jun 2007

WQIS Introduces Policy Form 2007

Government regulations, environmental changes and an increasingly difficult business climate make it impossible to keep doing business as usual. Recognizing the need for change, the Water Quality Insurance Syndicate (WQIS) has created its 2007 Policy Form. The overall policy has been simplified by including and clarifying several endorsements while the coverage itself has been expanded, making it the most flexible and complete insurance coverage for today’s marine industry. The new Policy Form was spurred by a combination of the new OPA regulations announced last year, brokers’ desire for a clearer, more concise product and the need for assureds to be protected in an ever-changing environment.