The SCMA was originally established in November 2004 within the umbrella of the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC). As from May 2009, the SCMA has been reconstituted as a company limited by guarantee and separate from the SIAC.
The aim of the SCMA is to provide a framework for maritime arbitration which is responsive to the needs of the maritime community. The SCMA has members from all sectors of the maritime community and from all countries. There is no distinction in the class of members or their entitlement based on the sector of the maritime community - all sectors are treated equally as all sectors are users of SCMA. For further information about membership, please click here
A General Committee of the membership leads the direction and development of the SCMA. The members of the General Committee comes from various sectors of the international maritime community, including ship owners, ship charterers, cargo owners, shipyards, lawyers and arbitrators. Click here for members. The first General Committee is appointed, after which the General Committee will be elected by the membership. To begin with there are three subcommittees: The Executive Committee, The Process Committee, The Promotion Committee. The Process Committee deals with the SCMA Rules, membership and panel of arbitrators. The Promotion Committee deals with professional education, publications, social events and promoting SCMA.
The initial funding to establish the SCMA comes from the Singapore Maritime Foundation, which is one of two founding members of the SCMA. Other members are subscribing members. The intention is that in time the SCMA will be self funding from membership subscription, education, publications and events.
The Chairman of the SCMA is Mr Goh Joon Seng. The Executive Director of the SCMA is Mr Nick Sansom.
Profile of Mr Goh Joon Seng
Profile of Mr Nick Sansom
Membership of The General Committee
The Rules of the SCMA have been revised. The SCMA is no longer involved in the management of disputes and no longer makes a management charge. Arbitration is commenced by Notice being given by the claimant to the respondent. The parties are free to choose the arbitrators. An application can be made to the Chairman of SCMA to appoint if the parties cannot agree on an appointment. The SCMA has a panel of arbitrators, but this is only as guidance.The SCMA has no mandatory scale of arbitrators fees. It is for the parties to agree fees with the arbitrator. It is for the arbitrator to be transparent about hourly rates, number of hours worked and for what purpose. The only mandatory fees are to an arbitrator in respect of appointment and the advance booking of time of the Tribunal and to the SCMA for certifying documents and for appointment of an arbitrator where the parties are unable to agree. There is a procedure for small claims up to USD75,000 and where the fees are capped.
Presentation on Rule changes
Click here for Presentation on SCMA.
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