Arrest or seizure under legal process. A ship may be arrested for a maritime claim against it through legal action, as a guarantee for payment for damages. Before a ship can be arrested, a court must approve such action. The procedures for ship arrest vary between countries.
If the vessel is arrested, she may be released as soon as the shipowners or P. & I. Club have provided sufficient security by a cash deposit or by providing a guarantee, countersigned by a bank, for payment of the claim and costs. If no security is given the ship may be sold and the claim and costs satisfied out of the sale proceeds.
