The Board of Lake Underwriters Marine Directory is a historical reference guide that was essential for shipping and maritime insurance on the Great Lakes. It provided detailed records and information about vessels, their specifications, and other maritime data relevant to underwriters and insurers operating in the region.
Key Features of the Board of Lake Underwriters Marine Directory:
1.Vessel Listings:
•The directory included comprehensive records on Great Lakes vessels, detailing their names, tonnage, construction material, dimensions, and ownership. These records were crucial for assessing a ship’s insurability.
2.Ship Inspections:
•Vessels listed in the directory were often inspected to ensure they met certain standards for safety and maintenance, allowing them to be insured for maritime transport on the Great Lakes.
3.Insurance Data:
•Information about marine insurance policies, including premium rates, coverage, and specific risks related to navigating the Great Lakes, was available. This directory helped shipping companies understand their liabilities and the coverage available for various shipping routes and seasons.
4.Owners and Companies:
•The directory included shipping companies and owners who were active on the Great Lakes, allowing insurers and underwriters to track vessel ownership and company operations.
5.Shipwreck and Loss Data:
•In addition to insuring vessels, the directory often tracked shipwrecks, accidents, and losses on the Great Lakes, providing historical data that helped insurers assess the risks of particular routes and regions.
Purpose:
The Board of Lake Underwriters Marine Directory was used by:
•Insurance companies to assess and provide coverage for vessels operating in the Great Lakes.
•Shipowners and captains to ensure their vessels met the safety and maintenance standards required to obtain insurance.
•Maritime historians and researchers for historical data on vessels, accidents, and the development of marine insurance on the Great Lakes.
Accessing the Directory:
Today, copies of the Board of Lake Underwriters Marine Directory can be found in:
•Maritime museums and libraries that specialize in Great Lakes shipping and maritime history.
•University archives, particularly those focused on business and maritime studies.
•Historical collections such as the Historical Collections of the Great Lakes at Bowling Green State University, or the C. Patrick Labadie Collection at the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
If you’re researching the history of shipping or marine insurance on the Great Lakes, this directory is an invaluable resource. For those interested in maritime law, shipwrecks, and the economics of shipping, it provides a detailed historical snapshot of the industry during the time it was in use.