The two main categories of marine losses are total loss and partial loss.
Total loss refers to a situation where a vessel or cargo is completely destroyed or lost, and there is no possibility of recovery or repair. This can occur due to events such as sinking, grounding, or fire.
Partial loss, on the other hand, refers to a situation where a vessel or cargo is damaged, but it is still possible to repair or salvage it. This can occur due to events such as collision, stranding, or theft.
In summary, total loss means the complete destruction or loss of the vessel or cargo, while partial loss means that the vessel or cargo has been damaged but can still be repaired or salvaged.