W

WA    (With Average) - See "Average Clauses." 

Warehouse

A place for the shipment, delivery, consolidation, distribution, or storage of cargo.  See "Terminal" and "Go Down."

Warehouse Endorsement

An endorsement that may be added to the Marine Cargo Policy to provide coverage on cargo while being stored.

Warehouse To Warehouse Clause

A clause in a cargo policy defining when coverage attaches and terminates.

Coverage attaches when the cargo leaves the warehouse at the place named in the policy, and continues during the ordinary course of transit after discharge at the final port.

Coverage ends when one of the following first occurs:

  • When the cargo is delivered at the final warehouse at the destination named in the policy , or

  • 15 days after discharge if the final destination is within the port, or

  • 30 days after discharge if the final destination is outside the port. 

Warranty

An undertaking in which the Assured promises to comply with certain conditions.   Non-compliance constitutes a breach of warranty and the insurance company is discharged from liability from the date of the breach.    

  • Expressed Warranty - An agreement written in the policy that the Assured must strictly and  literally comply with. A violation thereof voids the insurance; e.g. trading warranties.

  • Implied Warranty - Fundamental conditions implied in a contract of marine insurance:  

1.) Seaworthiness of the vessel;  

2.) Legality of the adventure.        

War Risks

Those risks related to two (or more) belligerents engaging in hostilities, whether or not there has been a formal declaration of war. Such risks are excluded by the F.C. & S. (Free of Capture and Seizure) Warranty, but may be covered by a separate War Risk Policy, at an additional premium.

Watercraft  - See "Vessel" and "Vessel Types"   Appendix  F. 

Waybill

A document prepared by a transportation company (usually a trucker or airline) as a receipt for the cargo at the point of shipment; showing point of origin, destination, route, consignor, consignee, description of shipment, and amount charged for the transportation service. It is forwarded with the shipment or sent by mail to the agent at the transfer point or waybill destination. Unlike an ocean bill of lading, a waybill is NOT a document of title and is NOT a negotiable document.

Ways

The framework on which a vessel is built and from which it slides into the water upon launching.

Ways Table - See "Marine Railway."

Wear & Tear

The ordinary wearing away of the various parts of a vessel, machinery, and equipment through use. Such damage is not accidental in nature, but is inevitable.

Weights and Measures  - See Appendix E.

Wharf

A fixed platform (usually on pilings) built parallel to the shore to which vessels tie up to load or unload cargo or passengers. (A pier is a similar structure but is built perpendicular to the shoreline.)    See "Pier" and "Dock."                      

Wharfage

Fees charged to cargo and vessels for using a wharf or pier.

Wharfinger

The owner or operator of a wharf.

Wheel

1.         A vessel's propeller.  See "Propeller."

2.         The steering wheel of the vessel used to move the rudder.

Wheelhouse - See "Pilothouse."

Winch

A rotating cylinder used for pulling rope or line. See "Capstan."

Without Benefit Of Salvage

A clause in an insurance policy in which the insurance company agrees that, in the event of loss or damage, salvage which may be realized from the property involved shall not be deducted from the claim. 

Without Prejudice

1.      A notation in a report to indicate that the opinion is objective and unbiased to any interested party involved.

2. A claim paid "without prejudice" to the policy terms and conditions. Payment is made without admission of liability, where doubt exists that the claim is recoverable, and  payment  does not set a precedent for recovering future claims.                                                            

WPA    (With Particular Average)  - See "Average Clauses."

Wreck

A vessel so battered, broken or destroyed by a storm, fire, grounding or other disaster that it is without further use as a vessel; a shipwreck.  See "Total Loss."