ABSTRACT
The shipowner is responsible for the adjustment and collection of general average and, for this purpose, the common law confers upon him a possessory lien over the cargo in respect of the cargo's contribution to general average. General average security generally encompasses salvage and special charges. The protection for salvage is to cover situations where the shipowner settles a claim for salvage on behalf of all parties to the adventure; and special charges is to cover instances where services are rendered for the benefit of individual cargo interests which go beyond the carriers' obligations under the contract of carriage. Adequate security usually consists of an agreement by the consignees or owners of the cargo to pay the general average contribution which is legally due in respect of their cargo. In most cases the cargo will be insured with an acceptable insurer whose average guarantee will be accepted in lieu of a cash deposit.
