If you`re involved in the maritime or oil and gas industries, chances are you`ve heard of the “knock for knock” agreement. This is an agreement between parties in which each party agrees to be responsible for its own employees and property in the event of an accident or injury, regardless of fault. This type of agreement is common in these industries due to the high-risk nature of the work involved.

In New Zealand, there are several signatories to the knock for knock agreement. These include organizations such as the New Zealand Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Association (OGEP), the Petroleum Exploration and Production Association of New Zealand (PEPANZ), and the New Zealand Marine Pilots Association (NZMPA). These signatories have agreed to abide by certain terms and conditions outlined in the agreement, which help to ensure a fair and equitable distribution of liability in the event of an incident.

One of the key benefits of the knock for knock agreement is that it can help to streamline the claims process in the event of an incident. With each party responsible for its own employees and property, there is no need for costly and time-consuming litigation to determine fault and liability. Instead, the parties can focus on resolving the issue in a fair and efficient manner.

Of course, the knock for knock agreement is not without its limitations. It only applies to incidents that fall within the scope of the agreement, and it does not absolve parties of their legal obligations under local laws and regulations. It is important for parties to understand the specific terms and conditions of the agreement, and to ensure that they have appropriate insurance coverage in place to protect their interests.

In conclusion, the knock for knock agreement is an important tool for managing risk in the maritime and oil and gas industries in New Zealand. By agreeing to be responsible for their own employees and property, parties can streamline the claims process and avoid costly and time-consuming litigation. If you work in these industries, it is important to understand the specific terms and conditions of the agreement and to ensure that you have appropriate insurance coverage in place.