What We Do

As a nonprofit organization, the MAA provides the public with information about maritime dispute resolution, arranges professional education and training for neutrals, and administers the resolution of maritime disputes through mediation, arbitration, and other out-of-court methods for settlement.

Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution process involving a meeting between the parties, their representatives and a mediator to discuss settlement. A mediator is an impartial, neutral third person who helps settle their dispute amicably, without litigation. Importantly, the mediator is not a judge and has no power to decide the case. Mediation leaves the power to settle entirely with the parties.

Arbitration is a traditional method for resolving legal disputes out-of-court. It is simpler, faster and less expensive than litigation. In arbitration, a tribunal comprised of one or more arbitrators (impartial, neutral third-persons) hears both sides and renders a decision to resolve the case.

Importantly, our arbitrators and mediators resolve disputes under maritime law, which allows for predictable and fair outcomes. We provide venues across the United States to hear disputes, an efficient and fair method of case administration, and specialized rules and procedures for maritime matters.

Our arbitrators and mediators have expertise in all types of maritime disputes:
  • Agency and brokerage
  • Attachments
  • Bills of lading
  • Cargo loss and damage
  • Charter parties
  • Collisions
  • Commercial disputes
  • Dive boats
  • Environmental matters
  • Fishing vessels
  • Foreign and U.S. financing
  • General average
  • Intermodal transportation
  • International trade and transactions
  • Leasing
  • Marinas
  • Marine casualties
  • Marine insurance
  • Maritime liens
  • Passenger claims
  • Personal injury and death
  • Ocean freight
  • Offshore drilling
  • Operating and management agreements
  • Recreational boating
  • Salvage
  • Seamen’s claims
  • Service contracts
  • Ship mortgages
  • Shipyards and suppliers
  • Shoreside businesses
  • Stevedoring
  • Survey disputes
  • Terminal operations
  • Tugs and towage
  • Vessel purchase and sale
  • Vessel repair and construction
  • Warranties
  • Yacht racing