Saying 'no' to the member is one of the hardest parts of the manager's job. Prompt attention, a sympathetic ear, sound legal advice and practical guidance. Also, knowledge of the best lawyer, surveyor or expert to instruct, and continued interest in, and direction of, the case. It is the role of the manager to steer a case to the best possible conclusion for both member and club. Because the moneys won or lost by the member in a dispute covered by the defence club are normally not insured, they come to, or go from, the member's own pocket.
Members therefore take a keen interest in the case and expect their club managers to do the same.
If the club managers perform well, they can establish a close relationship of mutual trust, loyalty, respect and friendship with the member which can continue for a very long time. To fully understand how defence cover works, and thus what a shipowner can expect from his club, it is necessary to distinguish between the two main elements of the cover - the insurance element and the service element. It reimburses only the costs of lawyers and other experts required by the owner to defend or establish a claim. The cover extends to the owner's own costs of legal representation in an arbitration or court case and any liability to reimburse the opponent's legal costs, either pursuant to an award, or judgment, or to a settlement agreement approved by the club. Only legal and other costs incurred in establishing or resisting claims concerning the categories of claims or disputes named in the club's rules are covered.