If you have containers on board you will be asked for an indemnity or a deposit. Any standard marine insurance policy will include General Average losses so if the goods have been insured the importer should obtain a General Average guarantee from the insurers.

If no insurance is in place, then a cash deposit will be needed.

Whatever the position, your first action is to give immediate notice to your customer. The appointed average adjusters will need to be in possession of a completed guarantee and bond form, or a cash deposit before release of cargo so it is vital that your customer takes immediate action.

Your customer indemnifies you against General Average costs in clause 20(D) of the BIFA Standard Trading Conditions.