Commercial Fishing Vessel Insurance in Orange County

Running a commercial fishing operation off the coast of Orange County involves real risk, from equipment damage and unpredictable weather to crew injury and environmental liability. Whether you’re pulling lobster traps off Newport Beach or longlining for tuna near San Pedro, the ocean is unpredictable, and your livelihood depends on staying protected.

That’s why commercial fishing vessel insurance in Orange County is essential. It offers comprehensive marine coverage designed specifically for working fishing boats and their crews. If you operate in local or offshore waters, this policy isn’t just a box to check, it’s a critical safeguard for your business, vessel, and crew.

What Is Commercial Fishing Vessel Insurance?

Commercial fishing vessel insurance is a specialized type of marine insurance crafted for boats involved in harvesting seafood for profit. Unlike general boat policies or basic marine insurance, this policy is tailored to the unique needs of commercial fishing operations. It covers the vessel, the crew, and the valuable catch you work hard to haul in.

A strong Orange County commercial fishing vessel insurance policy typically includes:

  • Hull & Machinery Coverage – Protection for physical damage to the boat, engine, and onboard systems caused by storms, collisions, or accidents.

  • Protection & Indemnity (P&I) – Liability insurance for damage to other boats, property, or third parties.

  • Crew Injury Coverage – Including Jones Act protection and Maritime Employers Liability (MEL) in case of work-related injury or illness.

  • Catch and Cargo Insurance – Covers your seafood haul if lost due to refrigeration failure, spoilage, or transit damage.

  • Pollution Liability – Covers clean-up costs and potential fines from fuel spills or gear loss.

  • Business Interruption – Financial protection if your operation is halted due to damage or downtime.

  • Fishing Equipment Coverage – Nets, sonar, winches, and other gear used in commercial fishing.

With the right coverage in place, you’re not only protected financially, you’re also meeting legal and dock requirements that allow you to stay in business.

Why You Need Commercial Fishing Vessel Insurance in Orange County

The waters off Orange County offer incredible opportunities for commercial fishing, but those rewards don’t come without risk. Here’s why this coverage matters:

  • Protects Your Investment: Vessels, onboard electronics, and commercial gear are expensive. If they’re damaged or lost, repairs or replacement can cost tens of thousands of dollars—or more.

  • Meets Compliance Requirements: Many fisheries, permitting agencies, and harbors require proof of insurance for docking or offloading catch.

  • Safeguards Your Crew: Fishing is consistently ranked among the most dangerous professions. Crew coverage ensures your workers (and your liability as an employer) are protected.

  • Manages Environmental Exposure: Whether it’s spilled diesel fuel or nets lost at sea, environmental issues can result in heavy fines. Pollution coverage helps you respond quickly and correctly.

  • Keeps Your Operation Afloat: If your boat is sidelined due to damage, business interruption coverage can help cover lost income during downtime.

Who Needs Commercial Fishing Vessel Insurance?

Any boat in Orange County engaged in commercial fishing activity should consider this insurance. This includes:

  • Lobster and crab boats

  • Tuna, swordfish, and other offshore vessels

  • Gillnetters and trawlers

  • Shrimpers and longliners

  • Charter boats that occasionally fish commercially

  • Smaller boats participating in limited commercial harvests

Even if your operation is part-time or seasonal, the risks remain the same, and so does the need for protection.

What Does Commercial Fishing Vessel Insurance Typically Cover?

Each fishing operation is unique, and so are the policies designed to protect them. However, a complete commercial fishing vessel insurance policy in Orange County generally includes:

  • Hull & Machinery: Covers storm damage, grounding, and mechanical failure.

  • Protection & Indemnity: Protects against legal claims for third-party injury or property damage.

  • Crew Protection: Meets legal obligations under the Jones Act and MEL.

  • Catch and Cargo: Protects your income by covering loss of catch from refrigeration issues or transit damage.

  • Pollution Liability: Covers the cost of cleanup, containment, and any fines related to spills or debris.

  • Gear & Equipment: Covers essential fishing tools, sonar, bait wells, and hauling equipment.

  • Business Interruption: Income replacement when downtime occurs due to damage or required repairs.

Get Commercial Fishing Vessel Insurance in Orange County

Your boat isn’t just a vessel, it’s your business, your livelihood, and your way of life. At Brashears & Newendorp, we understand the marine and fishing industries inside and out. We work with captains, owners, and commercial operators throughout Orange County to craft policies that meet the specific demands of their operations.

We don’t believe in cookie-cutter coverage. Whether you're running a single vessel or managing a small fleet, we tailor our insurance to fit your exact needs, so you can focus on fishing while we focus on protection.

Contact us today to get a quote and secure your commercial fishing vessel insurance policy in Orange County. We’re here to help you navigate every challenge the sea throws your way.