Detainment

Holding back someone else’s property. The detainment clause in the Institute War and Strikes Clauses (HullTime) provides that a vessel detained 12 months or more is treated as a constructive total loss. However, clause 5 excludes detainment by or under the order of the government or other public of the country in which the vessel is owned or registered. It is also excluded if detainment is due to infringement of any trading or customs regulations.

Detention

1. Occurs when governmental authorities prevent a vessel and/or cargo leaving port, particularly during hostilities. 2. Where demurrage is paid for an agreed number of days any further delay is ‘detention’ for which the shipowner can claim unlimited damages.

Deterioration

Impairment of condition. One of the causes of depreciation and reflecting the loss in value brought about by the wear and tear, disintegration, use in service and the action of the elements. Deterioration results in depreciation, that is, loss in value.

Deterioration of stock

Engineering insurance covering damage to perishable stock in cold stores directly consequent upon an accident to cooling or climatising equipment insured under a machinery breakdown policy. The widest form of cover insures loss caused by any rise or fall in temperature. See DETERIORATION OF CONTENTS.