I did not get license insurance until I started sailing Chief mate a few years back, its worth every penny and sailing Captain its definitely worth it. We would like to think we can control everything on the ship but you can’t. Regardless when it goes bad it’s on the Captain and having that number to call fot your own lawyer is going to be needed, no company, union or shipmate is going to look out for your license or pay your bills when you are on the beach.