According to the Marine Insurance Act 1906, Rule of Construction number 9, the term ‘thieves’ does not cover clandestine theft or a theft committed by any one of the ship’s company, whether crew or passengers. The peril in a marine policy appears to cover loss or damage by assailing and violent thieves. Institute Cargo Clauses B and C do not cover any form of theft. The International Hull Clauses 1/11/02 cover (clause 2.1.3) covers ‘violent theft from persons outside the vessel’ and in 2.1.5 ‘piracy’ is covered.
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Under Marine Insurance the term “thieves” does not cover clandestine theft, or a theft committed by any one of the ship’s company, whether crew or passengers. Pilferage must be expressly covered if cover is required.