ASSOCIATION OF

Average Adjusters
Rules of Practice

1 9 97
(Amended 2008)

Association of Average Adjusters 1997

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CONTENTS

Page
Introduction

Rules of Practice:
Section A General Rules

Section B General Average Rules of general application

Section C York-Antwerp Rules

12

Section D Damage and repairs to ship

13

Section E Particular Average on goods

18

Section F General Average adjustment under English law and practice

19

Uniformity Resolution

24

Probationary Rule of Practice

25

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INTRODUCTION
In the middle of the 19th Century, when average adjusting as a separate profession was in its infancy,
there was very little in the way of established law to guide the practising adjuster, and consequently
many points of practice had to be decided in accordance with custom. Some of these customs were
subsequently ratified by legal decisions, but others were disapproved, and it became evident that unless
steps were taken to establish a reasonable measure of uniformity among average adjusters, the
profession would fall into disrepute. Those wishing to read further on this topic are recommended to the
addresses delivered from the Chair of the Association by Mr. Richard Lowndes (1873), Mr. Charles
McArthur (1883) and the Right Hon. Lord Merrivale ( 1927), re- printed in From the Chair, published
by the Association in 1976.
It was to remedy this situation that the Association of Average Adjusters was founded in 1869, with the
object, among others, of the promotion of correct principles in the adjustment of Averages and
uniformity of practice amongst average adjusters.
After the formation of the Association, one of its first tasks was to consider the areas of divergency in
practice, and decide how the various so-called customs could be brought together into a uniform, if
not universal, practice. This aim was largely achieved by the Association in the first fifteen years of its
existence, by a two-fold approach:
(a) By the collection and refinement of the Customs of Lloyds. This task was undertaken by a
Special Committee which reported to the Association in 1876. In the preamble to the Customs it was
stated: Nothing can be called a Custom of Lloyds which is determined by a decision of the superior
Courts; for whatever is thus sanctioned rests on a ground surer than custom. A Custom of Lloyds then
must relate to a point on which the law is doubtful, or not yet defined, but as to which, for practical
convenience, it is necessary that there should be some uniform rule.
(b) By the adoption of Rules of Practice, relating to the adjustment of averages and the duties of
adjusters in connection therewith. In the early days of the Association it was hotly debated whether these
Rules of Practice should bind Members or not, and in the event it was decided that they would not be
binding, although, naturally, they would carry considerable authority. Even now, if an average adjuster
draws up a statement which is at variance with a Rule of Practice, he must place a note in his adjustment
referring to the Rule of Practice and stating why he differs from it.
Since 1890, when the Customs of Lloyds were reviewed and assimilated into the Rules of Practice,
various new Rules and amendments to existing Rules have been adopted from time to time in order to
regulate the practice of average adjusters in areas where the law is silent.
The procedure for establishing a Rule of Practice is as follows:
By the Rules of the Association, Representatives (who are appointed by Underwriting bodies as well as
by Shipowners, Merchants and similar institutions) are entitled, equally with Members, on giving
appropriate notice, to move resolutions intended to become Rules of Practice at any General Meeting of
the Association. After discussion such resolution will be voted upon by Members, and if carried by the
votes of a simple majority of the Members voting, it becomes a probationary Rule until the next
following General Meeting. During the intervening period the probationary Rule is considered by the

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Advisory Committee (or a Special Committee) of the Association, who may recommend its acceptance,
rejection or amendment. At the next following General Meeting the probationary Rule, in the form
approved by the Advisory Committee (or Special Committee), is again discussed, and if it is confirmed
by a two-thirds majority, it becomes a Rule of Practice.
The Rules of Practice as printed herein are divided into six sections according to the subjects dealt with.
The Rules relating to General Average appear in two sections:
SECTION B
Rules which affect the adjustment of general average or the duties of adjusters in all cases,
whatever may be the basis of adjustment.
SECTION F
Rules relating to the adjustment of general average under English law and practice.
The Rules contained in section F may be considered by some readers to be of little more than historical
interest, in view of the fact that the vast majority of general averages are now adjusted in accordance
with York-Antwerp Rules but these Rules of Practice have been retained not only to deal with the
minority of cases where the adjustment is prepared in accordance with English law and practice, but also
to demonstrate the early steps taken in the movement towards uniformity.
The Rules which have been rescinded in the past are not printed herein, but the Index to the Reports of
the Association shows where the text of any rescinded Rule may be found. Readers who are not in
possession of the Associations printed Reports may obtain photocopies of the appropriate pages, on
payment of a small fee, by application to the Secretary.

December, 1980 (amended 1997) N.G.H.

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RULES OF PRACTICE
SECTION A GENERAL RULES
A1 ADJUSTMENTS FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF UNDERWRITERS
That any claim prepared for the consideration of underwriters shall include a statement of the
reasons of the average adjuster for stating such a claim, and when submitted in conjunction with a
claim for which underwriters are liable, shall be shown in such a manner as clearly to distinguish
the claim for consideration from other claims embodied in the same adjustment.
An earlier Rule of Practice dealing with this subject was accepted in 1875, confirmed in 1876, and
rescinded in 1894/95. The text of the earlier Rule is printed in the report for 1876, p.l2.
A2 INTEREST AND COMMISSION FOR ADVANCING FUNDS
That, in practice, interest and commission for advancing funds are only allowable in average when,
proper and necessary steps having been taken to make a collection on account, an out-of- pocket
expense for interest and/or commission for advancing funds is reasonably incurred.
See note under Rule A3.
A3 AGENCY COMMISSION AND AGENCY
That, in practice, neither commission (excepting bank commission) nor any charge by way of
agency or remuneration for trouble is allowed to the shipowner in average, except in respect of
services rendered on behalf of cargo when such services are not involved in the contract of
affreightment.
An earlier Rule of Practice dealing with the subject of Agency fees chargeable by shipowners was
accepted in 1879, confirmed in 1880, and rescinded in 1906/07, following the report of a Special
Committee. The text of the earlier Rule is incorporated in the Committees report, printed at 1906,
p.21.
A4 DUTY OF ADJUSTERS IN RESPECT OF COST OF REPAIRS
That in adjusting particular average on ship or general average which includes repairs, it is the duty
of the adjuster to satisfy himself that such reasonable and usual precautions have been taken to keep
down the cost of repairs as a prudent shipowner would have taken if uninsured.

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A5 CLAIMS ON SHIPS MACHINERY

That in all claims on ships machinery for repairs, no claim for a new propeller or new shaft shall be
admitted into an adjustment, unless the adjuster shall obtain and insert into his statement evidence
showing what has become of the old propeller or shaft.
A6 WATER CASKS
Water casks or tanks carried on a ships deck are not paid for by underwriters as general or
particular average; nor are warps or other articles when improperly carried on deck.
A7 ADJUSTMENT: POLICIES OF INSURANCE AND NAMES OF UNDERWRITERS
That no adjustment shall be drawn up showing the amount of payments by or to the underwriters,
unless the policies or copies of the policies of insurance or certificates of insurance, for which the
statement is required, be produced to the average adjusters. Such statement shall set out sufficient
details of the underwriters interested and the amounts due on the respective policies produced.
An earlier Rule of Practice dealing with this subject was accepted in 1889, confirmed in 1890, and
rescinded in 1968/69. The text of the earlier Rule is printed in the report for 1890, p.33.
A8 APPORTIONMENT OF COSTS IN COLLISION CASES
That when a vessel sustains and does damage by collision, and litigation consequently results for
the purpose of testing liability, the technicality of the vessel having been plaintiff or defendant in
the litigation shall not necessarily govern the apportionment of the costs of such litigation, which
shall be apportioned between claim and counter-claim in proportion to the amount, excluding
interest, which has been or would have been allowed in respect of each in the event of the claim or
counter-claim being established; provided that when a claim or counter-claim is made solely for the
purpose of defence, and is not allowed, the costs apportioned thereto shall be treated as costs of
defence.
A9 FRANCHISE CHARGES
The expenses of protest, survey, and other proofs of loss, including the commission or other
expenses of a sale by auction, are not admitted to make up the percentage of a claim; and are only
paid by the underwriters in case the loss amounts to a claim without them.

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SECTION B GENERAL AVERAGE

Rules of General Application
Note: In this edition, the Rules relating to the adjustment of general average under English law and
practice have been transferred to Section F.
B1 BASIS OF ADJUSTMENT
That in any adjustment of general average not made in accordance with British law it shall be
prefaced on what principle or according to what law the adjustment has been made, and the reason
for so adjusting the claim shall be set forth.
In all cases the adjuster shall give particulars in a prominent position in the average statement of the
clause or clauses contained in the charter-party and/or bills of lading with reference to the
adjustment of general average.
B2-B8 inclusive transferred to section F.
B9 CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF DEFICIENCY OF FUEL
That in adjusting general average arising out of deficiency of fuel, the facts on which the general
average is based shall be set forth in the adjustment, including the material dates and distances, and
particulars of fuel supplies and consumption.
B10-B23 inclusive transferred to section F.
B24 CONTRIBUTORY VALUE OF SHIP
That in any adjustment of general average there shall be set forth the certificate on which the
contributory value of the ship is based or, if there be no such certificate, the information adopted in
lieu thereof, and any amount made good shall be specified.
B25 CONTRIBUTORY VALUE OF FREIGHT
That in any adjustment of general average there shall be set forth the amount of the gross freight
and the freight advanced, if any; also the charges and wages deducted and any amount made good.
The first paragraph of Rule B25, dealing with the basis of adjustment under English law and
practice, has been transferred to Section F and re-numbered F22.

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B26 VESSEL IN BALLAST AND UNDER CHARTER: CONTRIBUTING INTERESTS

For the purpose of ascertaining the liability of Underwriters on British policies of insurance, the
following provisions shall apply:When a vessel is proceeding in ballast to load under a voyage charter entered into by the shipowner
before the general average act, the interests contributing to the general average shall be the vessel,
such items of stores and equipment as belong to parties other than the owners of the vessel (e.g.
bunkers, wireless installation and navigational instruments) and the freight earned under the voyage
charter computed in the usual way after deduction of contingent expenses subsequent to the general
average act. Failing a prior termination of the adventure, the place where the adventure shall be
deemed to end and at which the values for contribution to general average shall be calculated is the
final port of discharge of the cargo carried under the charter but in the event of the prior loss of the
vessel and freight, or either of them, the general average shall attach to any surviving interest or
interests including freight advanced at the loading port deducting therefrom contingent expenses
subsequent to the general average act.
When a vessel is proceeding in ballast under a time charter alone or a time charter and a voyage
charter entered into by the time charterer, the general average shall attach to the vessel and such
items of stores and equipment as are indicated above. Failing a prior termination of the adventure,
the adventure shall be deemed to end and the values for contribution to general average calculated
at the first loading port upon the commencement of loading cargo.
When the charter to which the shipowner is a party provides for York-Antwerp Rules, the general
average shall be adjusted in accordance with those Rules and British law and practice and without
regard to the law and practice of any foreign port at which the adventure may terminate; and in the
interpretation of Rule XI it shall be immaterial whether the extra period of detention takes place at a
port of loading, call or refuge, provided that the detention is in consequence of accident, sacrifice or
other extraordinary circumstance occurring whilst the vessel is in ballast.
In practice neither time charter hire, as such, nor time charterers voyage freight shall contribute to
general average.
The earliest Rule of Practice dealing with this subject was accepted in 1896, confirmed in 1897 and
rescinded in 1926, when after reference to a Special Committee it was replaced by a new Rule,
which was in its turn referred to a Special Committee in 1944 and rescinded in 1945/46. The text of
the original Rule is printed in the report for 1897, pp.34/35 and the subsequent Rule in the report
for November 1926, p.9.
B27 ULTERIOR CHARTERED FREIGHT: CONTRIBUTION TO GENERAL AVERAGE
That when at the time of a general average act the vessel has on board cargo shipped under charterparty or bills of lading, and is also under a separate charter to load another cargo after the cargo
then in course of carriage has been discharged, the ulterior chartered freight shall not contribute to
the general average.

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B28 DEDUCTIONS FROM FREIGHT AT CHARTERERS RISK

That freight at the risk of the charterer shall be subject to no deduction for wages and charges,
except in the case of charters in which the wages or charges are payable by the charterer, in which
case such freight shall be governed by the same rule as freight at the risk of the shipowner.
B29 FORWARDING CHARGES ON ADVANCED FREIGHT
That in case of wreck, the cargo being forwarded to its destination, the charterer, who has paid a
lump sum on account of freight, which is not to be returned in the event of the vessel being lost,
shall not be liable for any portion of the forwarding freight and charges, when the same are less
than the balance of freight payable to the shipowner at the port of destination under the original
charter-party.
B30 SACRIFICE FOR THE COMMON SAFETY: DIRECT LIABILITY OF UNDERWRITERS
That in case of general average sacrifice there is, under ordinary policies of insurance, a direct
liability of an underwriter on ship for loss of or damage to ships materials, and of an underwriter
on goods or freight, for loss of or damage to goods or loss of freight so sacrificed as a general
average loss; that such loss not being particular average is not taken into account in computing the
memorandum percentages, and that the direct liability of an underwriter for such loss is
consequently unaffected by the memorandum or any other warranty respecting particular average.
An earlier Rule of Practice dealing with this subject was accepted in 1874, confirmed in 1875 and
rescinded in 1889. The text of this earlier Rule is printed in the report for 1875, p.18.
B31 SACRIFICE OF SHIPS STORES: DIRECT LIABILITY OF UNDERWRITERS
That underwriters insuring ships stores, bunker coal or fuel, destroyed or used as part of a general
average operation, shall only be liable for those articles as a direct claim on the policy when they
formed part of the property at risk at the time of the peril giving rise to the general average act.
B32 ENFORCEMENT OF GENERAL AVERAGE: LIEN BY SHIPOWNERS
That in all cases where general average damage to ship is claimed direct from the underwriters on
that interest, the average adjusters shall ascertain whether the shipowners have taken the necessary
steps to enforce their lien for general average on the cargo, and shall insert in the average statement
a note giving the result of their enquiries.

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B33 UNDERWRITERS LIABILITY

If the ship or cargo be insured for more than its contributory value, the underwriter pays what is
assessed on the contributory value. But where insured for less than the contributory value, the
underwriter pays on the insured value; and when there has been a particular average for damage
which forms a deduction from the contributory value of the ship that must be deducted from the
insured value to find upon what the underwriter contributes.
This rule does not apply to foreign adjustments, when the basis of contribution is something other
than the net value of the thing insured.
That in practice, in applying the above rule for the purpose of ascertaining the liability of
underwriters for contribution to general average and salvage charges, deduction shall be made from
the insured value of all losses and charges for which underwriters are liable and which have been
deducted in arriving at the contributory value.
In adjusting the liability of underwriters on freight for general average contribution and salvage
charges, effect shall be given to Section 73 of the Marine Insurance Act, 1906, by comparing the
gross and not the net amount of freight at risk with the insured value in the case of a valued policy
or the insurable value in the case of an unvalued policy.
B34 THE DUTY OF ADJUSTERS IN CASES INVOLVING REFUNDS OF GENERAL AVERAGE DEPOSITS OR
APPORTIONMENT OF SALVAGE, COLLISION RECOVERIES, OR OTHER FUNDS
That in cases of general average where deposits have been collected and it is likely that repayments
will have to be made, measures be taken by the adjuster to ascertain the names of underwriters who
have reimbursed their assured in respect of such deposits; that the names of any such underwriters
be set forth in the adjustment as claimants of refund, if any, to which they are apparently entitled;
and that on completion of the adjustment, notice be sent to all underwriters whose names are so set
forth as to any refund of which they appear as claimants and as to the steps to be taken in order to
obtain payment of the same.
That in cases where the names of any underwriters are not to be ascertained on completion of the
adjustment, notice be sent to the Secretary of Lloyds, to the Institute of London Underwriters, to
the Liverpool Underwriters Association, and to the Association of Underwriters of Glasgow,
notifying such interests as have not been appropriated to underwriters.
And that in cases of apportionment of salvage or other funds for distribution, similar measures be
taken by the adjuster to safeguard the interests of any underwriters who may be entitled to benefit
under the apportionment.

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B35 MEMORANDUM TO STATEMENTS SHOWING REFUNDS IN RESPECT OF GENERAL AVERAGE DEPOSITS

That the following memorandum shall appear at the end of statements which show refunds to be
due in respect of General Average Deposits, viz:
Memorandum Refunds of general average deposits shown in this statement should only be paid
on production of the original deposit receipts.
B36 INTEREST ON DEPOSITS
That, unless otherwise expressly provided, the interest accrued on deposits on account of salvage
and/or general average and/or particular and/or other charges, or on the balance of such deposits
after payments on account, if any, have been made, shall be credited to the depositor or those to
whom his rights in respect of the deposits have been transferred.
B37 APPORTIONMENT OF INTEREST ON AMOUNTS MADE GOOD
That in practice (in the absence of express agreement between the parties concerned) interest
allowed on amounts made good shall be apportioned between assured and underwriters, taking into
account the sums paid by underwriters and the dates when such payments were made,
notwithstanding that by the addition of interest the underwriter may receive a larger sum than he
has paid.

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SECTION C YORK-ANTWERP RULES

C1 SALVAGE SERVICES RENDERED UNDER AN AGREEMENT
Expenses for salvage services rendered by or accepted under agreement shall in practice be treated
as general average provided that such expenses were incurred for the common safety within the
meaning of Rule A of the York-Antwerp Rules 1924 or York-Antwerp Rules 1950.
An earlier Rule of Practice dealing with this subject was accepted in 1927, confirmed in 1928, and
rescinded in 1942/43. The text of the earlier Rule is printed in the report for 1928, p.32.
C2 COMMISSION ALLOWED UNDER YORK-ANTWERP RULES
That the commission of 2 per cent allowed on general average disbursements under the YorkAntwerp Rules shall be credited in full to the party who has authorised the expenditure and is liable
for payment, except that where the funds for payment are provided in the first instance in whole or
in part from the deposit funds, or by other parties to the adventure, or by underwriters, the
commission on such advances shall be credited to the deposit funds or to the parties or underwriters
providing the funds for payment.
C3 YORK-ANTWERP RULES, 1924: RULES X (a) AND XI
That, in practice, where a vessel is at any port or place in circumstances in which the wages and
maintenance of crew during detention there for the purpose of repairs necessary for the safe
prosecution of the voyage would be admissible in general average under Rule XI of the YorkAntwerp Rules, 1924, and the vessel is necessarily removed thence to another port or place because
such repairs cannot be effected at the first port or place, the provisions of Rule X (a) shall be
applied to the second port or place as if it were a port or place of refuge within that Rule and the
provisions of Rule XI shall be applied to the prolongation of the voyage occasioned by
such removal.
C4 YORK-ANTWERP RULES 1950, 1974 AND 1994: RULE X (a)
That in practice, in applying the second paragraph of Rule X (a), a vessel shall be deemed to be at a
port or place of refuge when she is at any port or place in circumstances in which the wages and
maintenance of the Master, Officers and crew incurred during any extra period of detention there
would be admissible in General Average under the provisions of Rule XI.

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SECTION D DAMAGE AND REPAIRS TO SHIP

D1 EXPENSES OF REMOVING A VESSEL FOR REPAIR
1. For the purpose of ascertaining the reasonable cost of repairs, and subject to any express
provisions in the policy, where a vessel is at any port place or location (hereinafter referred to as
port) and is necessarily or reasonably removed to some other port for the purpose of repairs, either
because the repairs cannot be effected at the first port, or cannot be effected prudently, the
additional expenses reasonably incurred by the shipowner in removing the vessel (other than any
expenses allowable in general average) shall be treated as part of the reasonable cost of repairs.
2. (a)
(b)

(c)

3. (a)
(b)

Where the vessel after repairing forthwith returns to the port from which she was
removed, the expenses incurred both in removing the vessel to the port of repair and in
returning shall be treated as part of the expenses of removal.
Where the vessel loads a new cargo at the port of repair or proceeds thence to some other
port for the same purpose, the expenses shall be calculated as though, but for the repairs,
the vessel had previously been engaged to proceed direct from the port from which she
was removed to the loading port.
Where, immediately following a casualty, or upon completion of the voyage on which the
casualty occurred, the vessel is removed solely to enable repairs to be effected which are
essential for continued trading, the expenses may, at the owners option, be calculated
only for the single passage to the repair port.
The expenses of removal shall include, inter alia, the cost of any necessary temporary
repairs, wages and provisions of crew and/or runners, pilotage, towage, extra marine
insurance, port charges, bunkers and stores.
Where by moving the vessel to or from the port of repair any new freight or hire is
earned, such net earnings shall be deducted from the expenses of removal.

4. The expenses of removing the vessel for repair shall be charged as follows:
(a)

Where the vessel is removed to the port of repair as an immediate consequence of

damage for the repair of which underwriters are liable, or the vessel is necessarily taken
out of service especially to effect repairs arising from that damage, the whole cost of
removal shall be treated as part of the cost of repairing that damage, notwithstanding that
the shipowner may have taken advantage of the removal to carry out survey for
classification purposes or to effect other average repairs or repairs on his own account.
However, where the vessel is removed for owners purposes, other than a routine
overhaul as in 4(b) below, or as an immediate consequence of damage for which
underwriters are not liable, no part of the cost of removal shall be charged to
underwriters, notwithstanding that repairs for which they are liable may be carried out at
the port of repair.

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(b)

Where the vessel is removed to the port of repair for routine overhaul at which repairs on
both owners and underwriters accounts are effected, the expenses of removal shall be
apportioned pro rata to the cost (including drydock dues and general services) of all work
effected at the port, other than to any damage sustained after the commencement of the
removal passage and the cost of any major parts shipped to the repair port from
elsewhere.

D2 FUEL AND STORES USED IN REPAIRS OF DAMAGE TO THE VESSEL

That the cost of replacing fuel and stores consumed either in the repair of damage to a vessel, in
working the engines or winches to assist in the repairs of damage, or in moving her to a place or
repair within the limits of the port where she is lying, shall be treated as part of the cost of repairs.
D3 RIGGING CHAFED
Rigging injured by straining or chafing is not charged to underwriters, unless such injury is caused
by blows of the sea, grounding, or contact; or by displacement, through sea peril, of the spars,
channels, bulwarks, or rails.
D4 SAILS SPLIT OR BLOWN AWAY
Sails split by the wind, or blown away while set, unless occasioned by the ships grounding or
coming into collision, or in consequence of damage to the spars to which the sails are bent, are not
charged to underwriters.
D5 DRY DOCK EXPENSES
1. That, in practice, where repairs, for the cost of which underwriters are liable, are necessarily
effected in dry dock as an immediate consequence of the casualty, or the vessel is taken out of
service especially to effect such repairs in dry dock, the cost of entering and leaving the dry
dock, in addition to so much of the dock dues as is necessary for the repair of the damage, shall
be chargeable in full to the underwriters, notwithstanding that the shipowner may have taken
advantage of the vessel being in dry dock to carry out survey for classification purposes or to
effect repairs on his account which are not immediately necessary to make the vessel
seaworthy.
2.(a)

(b)

Where repairs on Owners account which are immediately necessary to make the vessel
seaworthy and which can only be effected in dry dock are executed concurrently with
other repairs, for the cost of which underwriters are liable, and which also can only be
effected in dry dock,
Where the repairs, for the cost of which underwriters are liable, are deferred until a
routine dry-docking and are then executed concurrently with repairs on Owners account
which require the use of the dry dock, whether or not such Owners repairs affect the
seaworthiness of the vessel,

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the cost of entering and leaving the dry dock, in addition to so much of the dock dues as is
common to both repairs, shall be divided equally between the shipowner and the underwriters,
irrespective of the fact that the repairs for which underwriters are liable may relate to more than
one voyage or accident or may be payable by more than one set of underwriters.
3. Sub-division between underwriters of the proportion of dry-docking expenses chargeable to
them shall be made on the basis of voyages, and/or such other franchise units as are specified in
the policies.
4. In determining whether the franchise is reached the whole cost of dry-docking necessary for the
repair of the damage, less the proportion (if any) chargeable to Owners when Section (a) of
paragraph 2 applies, shall be taken into consideration, notwithstanding that there are other
damages to which a portion of the cost of dry-docking has to be apportioned in ascertaining the
amount actually recoverable.
An earlier Rule of Practice dealing with this subject was accepted in 1891, confirmed in 1892, and
amended in 1903/4 after reference to a Special Committee. It was again referred to a Special
Committee in November 1926, further amended in 1927/28, and rescinded in 1970/71. The texts are
printed in the reports for 1892, p.28; 1904, p.42 and 1928, p.31.
D6 TANKERS TREATMENT OF THE COST OF TANK CLEANING AND/OR GAS-FREEING
1.

That, in practice, where repairs, for the cost of which underwriters are liable, require the tanks
to be rough cleaned and/or gas-freed as an immediate consequence of the casualty, or the vessel
is taken out of service especially to effect such repairs, the cost of such rough cleaning and/or
gas-freeing shall be chargeable in full to the underwriters, notwithstanding that the shipowner
may have taken advantage of the vessel being rough cleaned and/or gas-freed to carry out
survey for classification purposes or to effect repairs on his account which are not immediately
necessary to make the vessel seaworthy.

2. (a) Where repairs on Owners account which are immediately necessary to make the vessel
seaworthy and which require the tanks being rough cleaned and/or gas-freed are executed
concurrently with other repairs, for the cost of which underwriters are liable, and which also
require the tanks being rough cleaned and/or gas-freed,
(b) Where the repairs, for the cost of which underwriters are liable, are deferred until a
routine dry-docking or repair period, at which time repairs on Owners account which also
require the tanks being rough cleaned and/or gas-freed are effected, whether or not such
Owners repairs affect the seaworthiness of the vessel,
the cost of such rough cleaning and/or gas-freeing as is common to both repairs shall be divided
equally between the shipowners and the underwriters, irrespective of the fact that the repairs for
which underwriters are liable may relate to more than one voyage or accident or may be
payable by more than one set of underwriters.

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3. The cost of fine cleaning specifically for a particular repair or particular repairs shall be divided
in accordance with the principles set forth above.
4. Sub-division between underwriters of the proportion of rough tank cleaning and/or gas-freeing
and/or fine cleaning chargeable to them shall be made on the basis of voyages, and/or such
other franchise units as are specified in the policies.
5. In determining whether the franchise is reached the whole cost of rough cleaning and/or gasfreeing and/or fine cleaning necessary for the repair of the damage, less the proportion (if any)
chargeable to Owners when Section (a) of paragraph 2 applies, shall be taken into consideration,
notwithstanding that there are other damages to which a portion of the cost of rough tank
cleaning and/or gas-freeing and/or fine cleaning has to be apportioned in ascertaining the
amount actually recoverable.
D7 PARTICULAR AVERAGE ON SHIP: DEDUCTION OF ONE THIRD
The deduction for new work in place of old is fixed by custom at one-third, with the following
exceptions:
Anchors are allowed in full. Chain cables are subject to one-sixth only.
Metal sheathing is dealt with, by allowing in full the cost of a weight equal to the gross weight of
metal sheathing stripped off minus the proceeds of the old metal. Nails, felt, and labour metalling
are subject to one-third.
The rule applies to iron as well as to wooden ships, and to labour as well as material. It does not
apply to the expense of straightening bent ironwork, and to the labour of taking out and replacing it.
It does not apply to graving dock expenses and removals, cartages, use of shears, stages, and
graving dock materials.
It does not apply to a ships first voyage.
D8 SCRAPING AND PAINTING
Where the Policy includes a Clause to the effect that:
No claim shall in any case be allowed in respect of scraping or painting the vessels bottom.
(a)

Gritblasting and/or other surface preparation of new bottom plates ashore and supplying
and applying any shop primer thereto

(b)

Gritblasting and/or other surface preparation of:

(i)

the butts or area of plating immediately adjacent to any renewed or refitted plating
damaged during the course of welding and/or repairs

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(ii)
(c)

areas of plating damaged during the course of fairing, either in place or ashore

Supplying and applying the first coat of primer/anticorrosive to those particular areas
mentioned in (a) and (b) above

shall be allowed as part of the reasonable cost of repairs in respect of bottom plating damaged by an
insured peril and shall be deemed not to be excluded by the wording of this Clause. The gritblasting
and/or other surface preparation and the painting of all other areas of the bottom is excluded by the
Clause.

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SECTION E PARTICULAR AVERAGE ON GOODS

E1 ADJUSTMENT ON BONDED PRICES

In the following cases it is customary to adjust particular average on a comparison of bonded,
instead of duty-paid prices:
In claims for damage to tea, tobacco, coffee, wine, and spirits imported into this country.
E2 ADJUSTMENT OF AVERAGE ON GOODS SOLD IN BOND
That in consequence of the facilities generally offered to bond goods at their destination, at which
terms they are often sold, the term Gross Proceeds shall, for the purpose of adjustment, be taken
to mean the price at which the goods are sold to the consumer, after payment of freight and landing
charges, but exclusive of Customs duty, in cases where it is the custom of the port to sell or deal
with the goods in bond.
E3 APPORTIONMENT OF INSURED VALUE OF GOODS
That where different qualities or descriptions of cargo are valued in the policy at a lump sum, such
sum shall, for the purpose of adjusting claims, be apportioned on the invoice values where the
invoice distinguishes the separate values of the said different qualities or descriptions; and over the
net arrived sound values in all other cases.
E4 ALLOWANCE FOR WATER AND/OR IMPURITIES IN PICKED COTTON
When bales of cotton are picked, and the pickings are sold wet, the allowance for water in the
pickings (where there are no means of ascertaining it) is by custom fixed at one-third.
There is a similar custom to deduct one-sixth from the gross weight of pickings of country damaged
cotton to take account of dirt, moisture and other impurities.
E5 ALLOWANCE FOR WATER IN CUT TOBACCO
When damaged tobacco is cut off, the allowance for water in the cuttings is one-fourth if the actual
increase cannot be ascertained.
E6 ALLOWANCE FOR WATER IN WOOL
Damaged wool from Australia, New Zealand, and the Cape is subject to a deduction of 3 per cent.
for wet, if the actual increase cannot be ascertained.

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SECTION F GENERAL AVERAGE ADJUSTMENT

UNDER ENGLISH LAW AND PRACTICE
F1 DECKLOAD JETTISON
The jettison of a deckload carried according to the usage of trade and not in violation of the
contracts of affreightment is general average.
There is an exception to this rule in the case of cargoes of cotton, tallow, acids and some other
goods.
F2 DAMAGE BY WATER USED TO EXTINGUISH FIRE
That damage done by water poured down a ships hold to extinguish a fire be treated as general
average.
F3 EXTINGUISHING FIRE ON SHIPBOARD
Damage done to a ship and cargo, or either of them, by water or otherwise, including damage by
beaching or scuttling a burning ship, in extinguishing a fire on board the ship, shall be made good
as general average; except that no compensation shall be made for damage by smoke or heat
however caused.
The earliest Rule of Practice dealing with this subject entitled Damage caused by water thrown
upon burning goods was accepted in 1874, confirmed in 1875, and rescinded in 1968/69.
It was then replaced by a Rule under the present title which was in its turn rescinded in 1974/75.
The text of the original Rule is printed in the report for 1875, p.22 and the subsequent Rule in the
report for 1968, pp.18/19.
F4 VOLUNTARY STRANDING
Where a ship is intentionally run on shore for the common safety, whether or not she might have
been driven on shore, the consequent loss or damage shall be allowed as general average.
The original Custom of Lloyds under this heading, amended in 1876, was rescinded in 1968/69.
The text of the Custom is printed, as confirmed as a Rule of Practice, in the report for 1891, p.69.
F5 EXPENSES LIGHTENING A SHIP WHEN ASHORE
When a ship is ashore in a position of peril and, in order to float her, cargo is put into lighters, and
is then at once re-shipped, the whole cost of lightering, including lighter hire and re-shipping, is
general average.

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F6 SAILS SET TO FORCE A SHIP OFF THE GROUND

Sails damaged by being set, or kept set, to force a ship off the ground or to drive her higher up the
ground for the common safety, are general average.
F7 STRANDED VESSELS: DAMAGE TO ENGINES IN GETTING OFF
That damage caused to machinery and boilers of a stranded vessel, in endeavouring to refloat for
the common safety, when the interests are in peril, be allowed in general average.
F8 RESORT TO PORT
INCURRED

OF

REFUGE

FOR

GENERAL AVERAGE REPAIRS: TREATMENT

OF THE

CHARGES

That when a ship puts into a port of refuge in consequence of damage which is itself the subject of
general average, and sails thence with her original cargo, or a part of it, the outward as well as the
inward port charges shall be treated as general average; and when cargo is discharged for the
purpose of repairing such damage, the warehouse rent and reloading of the same shall, as well as
the discharge, be treated as general average. (See Attwood v. Sellar.)
F9 RESORT TO PORT OF REFUGE ON ACCOUNT OF PARTICULAR AVERAGE REPAIRS:
TREATMENT OF THE CHARGES INCURRED
That when a ship puts into a port of refuge in consequence of damage which is itself the subject of
particular average (or not of general average) and when the cargo has been discharged in
consequence of such damage, the inward port charges and the cost of discharging the cargo shall be
general average, the warehouse rent of cargo shall be a particular charge on cargo, and the cost of
reloading and outward port charges shall be a particular charge on freight. (See Svendsen v.
Wallace.)
F10 TREATMENT OF COSTS OF STORAGE AND RELOADING AT PORT OF REFUGE
That when the cargo is discharged for the purpose of repairing, re-conditioning, or diminishing
damage to ship or cargo which is itself the subject of general average, the cost of storage on it and
of reloading it shall be treated as general average, equally with the cost of discharging it.
F11 INSURANCE ON CARGO DISCHARGED UNDER AVERAGE
That in practice, where the cost of insurance has been reasonably incurred by the shipowner, or his
agents, on cargo discharged under average, such cost shall be treated as part of the cost of storage.

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F12 EXPENSES AT A PORT OF REFUGE

When a ship puts into a port of refuge on account of accident and not in consequence of damage
which is itself the subject of general average, then on the assumption that the ship was seaworthy at
the commencement of the voyage, the Custom of Lloyds is as follows:
(a)

All cost of towage, pilotage, harbour dues, and other extraordinary expenses incurred in
order to bring the ship and cargo into a place of safety, are general average. Under the term
extraordinary expenses are not included wages or victuals of crew, coals, or engine stores,
or demurrage.

(b)

The cost of discharging the cargo, whether for the common safety, or to repair the ship,
together with the cost of conveying it to the warehouse, is general average.
The cost of discharging the cargo on account of damage to it resulting from its own vice
propre, is chargeable to the owners of the cargo.

(c)

The warehouse rent, or other expenses which take the place of warehouse rent, of the cargo
when so discharged, is, except as under, a special charge on the cargo.

(d)

The cost of reloading the cargo, and the outward port charges incurred through leaving the
port of refuge, are, when the discharge of cargo falls in general average, a special charge on
freight.

(e)

The expenses referred to in clause (d) are charged to the party who runs the risk of freight
that is, wholly to the charterer if the whole freight has been prepaid; and, if part only, then
in the proportion which the part prepaid bears to the whole freight.

(f)

When the cargo, instead of being sent ashore, is placed on board hulk or lighters during the
ships stay in port, the hulk-hire is divided between general average, cargo, and freight, in
such proportions as may place the several contributing interests in nearly the same relative
positions as if the cargo has been landed and stored.

F13 TREATMENT OF COSTS OF EXTRAORDINARY DISCHARGE

That no distinction be drawn in practice between discharging cargo for the common safety of ship
and cargo, and discharging it for the purpose of effecting at an intermediate port or ports of refuge
repairs necessary for the prosecution of the voyage.
F14 TOWAGE FROM A PORT OF REFUGE
That if a ship be in a port of refuge at which it is practicable to repair her, and if, in order to save
expense, she be towed thence to some other port, then the extra cost of such towage shall be divided
in proportion to the saving of expense thereby occasioned to the several parties to the adventure.

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F15 CARGO FORWARDED FROM A PORT OF REFUGE

That if a ship be in a port of refuge at which it is practicable to repair her so as to enable her to carry
on the whole cargo, but, in order to save expense, the cargo, or a portion of it, be transhipped by
another vessel, or otherwise forwarded, then the cost of such transhipment (up to the amount of
expense saved) shall be divided in proportion to the saving of expense thereby occasioned to the
several parties to the adventure.
F16 CARGO SOLD AT A PORT OF REFUGE
That if a ship be in a port of refuge at which it is practicable to repair her so as to enable her to carry
on the whole cargo, or such portion of it as is fit to be carried on, but, in order to save expense, the
cargo, or a portion of it, be, with the consent of the owners of such cargo, sold at the port of refuge,
then the loss by sale including loss of freight on cargo so sold (up to the amount of expense saved)
shall be divided in proportion to the saving of expense thereby occasioned to the several parties to
the adventure; provided always that the amount so divided shall in no case exceed the cost of
transhipment and/or forwarding referred to in the preceding rule of the Association.
F17 INTERPRETATION OF THE RULE RESPECTING SUBSTITUTED EXPENSES
That for the purpose of avoiding any misinterpretation of the resolution relating to the
apportionment of substituted expenses, it is declared that the saving of expense therein mentioned is
limited to a saving or reduction of the actual outlay, including the crews wages and provisions, if
any, which would have been incurred at the port of refuge, if the vessel has been repaired there, and
does not include supposed losses or expenses, such as interest, loss of market, demurrage, or
assumed damage by discharging.
F18 DAMAGE TO CARGO, FUEL AND STORES IN DISCHARGING ETC.
Damage to or loss of cargo, fuel or stores, sustained in consequence of their handling, discharging,
storing, reloading and stowing shall be made good as general average when, and only when the cost
of those measures respectively is admitted as general average.
A Custom of Lloyds concerning cargo discharged at a port of refuge was rescinded in 1890/91,
and an earlier Rule of Practice adopted in 1883 and confirmed in 1884 was rescinded in 1968/69.
The text of the earlier Rule is printed in the report for 1884, p.37.
F19 DEDUCTIONS FROM COST OF REPAIRS IN ADJUSTING GENERAL AVERAGE
Repairs to be allowed in general average shall not be subject to deductions in respect of new for
old where old materials or parts are replaced by new unless the ship is over fifteen years old in
which case there shall be a deduction of one third. The deductions shall be regulated by the age of
the ship from the 31st December of the year of completion of construction to the date of the general
average act, except for insulation, life and similar boats, communications and navigational

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apparatus and equipment, machinery and boilers for which the deductions shall be regulated by the
age of the particular parts to which they apply.
The deductions shall be made only from the cost of the new material or parts when finished and
ready to be installed in the ship.
No deduction shall be made in respect of provisions, stores, anchors and chain cables.
Drydock and slipway dues and costs of shifting the ship shall be allowed in full.
The costs of cleaning, painting or coating of bottom shall not be allowed in general average unless
the bottom has been painted or coated within the twelve months preceding the date of the general
average act in which case one half of such costs shall be allowed.
F20 FREIGHT SACRIFICED: AMOUNT TO BE MADE GOOD IN GENERAL AVERAGE
That the loss of freight to be made good in general average shall be ascertained by deducting from
the amount of gross freight lost the charges which the owner thereof would have incurred to earn
such freight, but has, in consequence of the sacrifice, not incurred.
F21 BASIS OF CONTRIBUTION TO GENERAL AVERAGE
When property saved by a general average act is injured or destroyed by subsequent accident, the
contributing value of that property to a general average which is less than the total contributing
value, shall, when it does not reach the port of destination, be its actual net proceeds; when it does it
shall be its actual net value at the port of destination on its delivery there; and in all cases any
values allowed in general average shall be added to and form part of the contributing value as
above.
The above rule shall not apply to adjustments made before the adventure has terminated.
F22 CONTRIBUTORY VALUE OF FREIGHT
That freight at the risk of the shipowner shall contribute to general average upon its gross amount,
deducting such charges and crews wages as would not have been incurred in earning the freight
had the ship and cargo been totally lost at the date of the general average act and have not been
allowed as general average.

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UNIFORMITY RESOLUTION
YORK-ANTWERP RULES 1924: APPLICATION OF RULE XIV
That, in practice, in applying Rule XIV of the York-Antwerp Rules, 1924, the cost of the temporary
repair of the accidental damage there referred to shall be allowed in general average up to the
saving to the general average by effecting such temporary repair, without regard to the saving (if
any) to other interests.

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PROBATIONARY RULE OF PRACTICE

SALVAGE PAYMENTS RULE VI OF THE YORK-ANTWERP RULES 2004
For the purpose of applying Rule VI of the York-Antwerp Rules 2004 the term salvage payments
shall be interpreted to mean payments made in respect of salvage services and for which there is
contractual and/or legal provision for apportionment and payment between the salved interests upon
termination of the salved services independent of the York-Antwerp Rules 2004.
Following the publication of the York Antwerp Rules 2004, concerns were expressed regarding a
possible ambiguity in the wording of the new Rule VI regarding Salvage. A Probationary Rule of
Practice was proposed in May 2005 based on the findings of a Working Party and this has been
reviewed annually. However, Fellows have not yet encountered sufficient cases involving Rule VI
of York Antwerp Rules 2004 to enable them to determine whether this should be confirmed as a full
Rule of Practice.

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