How is the MAA different from a court?
The MAA is a nonprofit organization, not a branch of the government. The MAA facilitates alternative dispute resolution (ADR), an out-of-court process that includes arbitration and mediation. ADR is usually faster, simpler and more economical than courtroom litigation. It allows the parties to control the process, not the other way around. The courts provide litigation as the means resolve disputes. This leads to trials that are costly, complex and time consuming. In most public courts there is little maritime expertise. The MAA offers a panel of maritime law experts to serve as arbitrators and mediators. ADR is confidential, while courtroom proceedings are public in nature, and often attract the attention of the media. Parties who wish to keep their disputes confidential choose ADR.
