Crucial from the point of view of the institution of ship arrest is the concept of “maritime claim.” The arrest of a ship through legal proceedings can only be done to secure a maritime claim. The convention contains an exhaustive list of such claims, including claims for:
(1) damage caused by any vessel due to collision or otherwise;
(2) loss of life or personal injury caused by any vessel or in connection with the operation of any vessel;
(3) relief and rescue;
(4) a contract for the use or hire of any vessel entered into in the form of a charter or in any other form;
(5) a contract for the carriage of cargo on any vessel entered into in the form of a charter or in any other form;
(6) loss or damage to cargo and baggage carried on any vessel;
(7) joint failure;
(8) bodmer loan;
(9) towing;
(10) pilot;
(11) things or materials delivered to the vessel in connection with its operation or maintenance;
(12) the construction, repair or outfitting of any vessel or the docking fee;
(13) pay for the work of captains, officers or crew members;
(14) expenses of the master, including those of shippers, charterers or agents, incurred on behalf of the vessel or its owner;
(15) disputes as to the ownership of any vessel;
(16) disputes between co-owners of any vessel as to the ownership, possession, operation or benefit of such vessel;
(17) a mortgage or marine mortgage of any vessel.
Noteworthy, the institution in question cannot be extended to claims other than those mentioned above, even if they were closely related to the operation of the ship.
