Class 1 (Chief Engineer) Engineering Management 📅 Aug 2025

Exam Question

(a) "General average is based on certain essential features". Discuss the statement. (8)

(b) A large vessel ran aground. Main engine was used in ahead and astern directions to shake the vessel loose from the ground. Due to excessive load some bearings of the main engine got burnt. Can this damage be included in the general average? Give proper justification to your answer. (8)

Reference Answer

### (a) Essential Features of General Average
General Average is a principle of maritime law whereby all stakeholders in a sea venture (ship, cargo, freight) proportionally share losses resulting from a voluntary and successful sacrifice of part of the ship or cargo to save the whole venture from an imminent peril. The statement is correct, and the principle is governed by internationally accepted rules, most notably the York-Antwerp Rules. The essential features are as follows:
1. **Imminent Peril / Common Danger**: There must be a real, present, and substantial danger threatening the entire maritime venture. The peril must be common to the ship, its cargo, and the crew. It cannot be a speculative or remote danger. Examples include grounding, fire, or being attacked by pirates.
2. **Voluntary and Intentional Act (Sacrifice or Expenditure)**: The loss must arise from a deliberate act, ordered or executed by the Master or their authority. It is not an accident. This act can be a:

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