Our Mission

The Society of Maritime Arbitrators is a professional non-profit organization that has achieved international recognition as a leading forum for the arbitration of maritime and commercial disputes. Its mission is to promulgate arbitration, mediation, and to establish commercially effective legal procedures for Alternative Dispute Resolution. The SMA trains and provides the maritime industry with experienced commercial professionals who resolve disputes in an impartial, timely and cost-efficient manner.

Special Notices

On February 11th at the monthly SMA luncheon, Michael G. Chalos, Partner K&L Gates, LLP presented his talk: The New MARPOL ANNEX VI Regulations, Requirements and Issues. The SMA thanks Mr. Chalos for his engaging and informative presentation, and for allowing it to be posted on the SMA site.

Click here for presentation in PDF format.

On October 8th at the monthly Luncheon of the Society of Maritime Arbitrators, Leo G. Kailas a partner at Reitler Kailas & Rosenblatt LLC presented his talk Charter party Agreements: Issues Related to Ebola Epidemic, which addressed issues regarding what measures can be taken to protect the vessel and crew, the implications for cargo if a port is closed or quarantined, who pays for delays, a review of the BIMCO Gentime charter and Exxon's charter party, along with two suggested Ebola Clause to consider for the Charter party contract.

Click here for presentation in PDF or Streaming Video