Voluntary change of the ship’s destination from the contemplated voyage that occurs after the commencement of the risk, under a hull or cargo voyage policy. The insurer’s liability ends immediately the decision is made and it is immaterial that a loss occurs when the ship is still on the original course. Institute Cargo Clauses provide that a change of voyage is held covered at a premium to be agreed if prompt notice is given to the insurer.
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Section 47 of the Marine Insurance Act provides that (01) where, after the commencement of the risk the designation of the ship is voluntarily changed from the destination contemplated by the Policy, there is said to be a change of voyage. (02) Unless the Policy otherwise provides, where there is a change of voyage the Insurer is discharged from liability as from the time of change that is to say, as from the time when the determination to change is manifested; and it is immaterial that the ship may not in fact have left the course of voyage contemplated by the Policy when the loss occurs.