AVERAGE

average,n.1. A single value that represents a broad sample of subjects; esp., in mathematics,

the mean, median, or mode of a series. 2. The ordinary or typical level; the norm. 3.Maritime law.

Accidental partial loss or damage to an insured ship or its cargo during a voyage. [Cases: Shipping

186–202. C.J.S. Shipping §§ 458–470.] — average,vb. & adj.

extraordinary average.A contribution by all the parties concerned in a commercial voyage —

whether  for vessel or cargo —  toward a loss sustained by some of the  parties in interest for the

benefit of all.

general  average.Average  resulting  from  an  intentional  partial  sacrifice  of  ship  or  cargo  to

avoid total loss. • The liability is shared by all parties who had an interest in the voyage. — Abbr.

2. — Also  termed  gross  average;  general-average  contribution.  [Cases:  Shipping    186–202.

C.J.S. Shipping §§ 458–470.]

“[G]eneral  average  refers  to  certain  extraordinary  sacrifices  made  or  expenses  incurred  to

avert a peril that threatens the entire voyage. In such a case the party sustaining the loss confers a

common benefit on all the parties to the maritime venture. As a result the party suffering the loss

has a right — apart from contract or tort — to claim contribution from all who participate in the

venture. The doctrine  of  general average  is thus an  equitable  principle  derived  from  the  general

maritime law. General average is an exception to the principle of particular average that losses lie

where they fall; rather the loss becomes ‘general,’ meaning that it is spread ratably among all the

parties involved in the maritime adventure. The doctrine of general average is of ancient vintage,

and  can be  traced back to remotest antiquity.” Thomas J. Schoenbaum,  Admiralty and Maritime

Law § 16-1, at 522–23 (1987).

particular average.Average resulting from an accidental partial loss or damage. • Any average

that is not general is termed particular. The liability is borne solely by the person who suffered the

loss. — Also termed simple average; partial average; petty average.

4.Hist. A service,  esp.  one  of carriage,  due  from a  feudal tenant to a lord. • The average is

mentioned  in  the  Do-mesday  Book,  but  the  exact  nature  of  the  service  is  unclear.  Based  on

etymological studies, some authorities believe the term referred to the performance of work with

or  by  beasts  of  burden.  But  because  the  term’s  origin  is  unclear,  this  theory  is  not  universally

accepted.[Blacks Law 8th]