General average has a long history dating back to the earliest days of maritime trade, and rests on the principle of fairness and the common interest of all participants in the maritime adventure. A general average enables a fair distribution of costs, while the institute itself exists as such to provide certain security to the cargo and the ship. Through the description of the liquidation process, it is shown how the balance of property rights of all participants in the maritime adventure is established and security for the payment of contributions is provided to them in the form of a guarantee. The aim of this work is to show the meaning and role of general average in maritime transport, which is today the leading way of transporting goods in the world. The concept and way of functioning of general average is presented. The element of extraordinary is shown as the basis of accidents in general and also in general average. What makes the institute of general average different from others is the intentionality and reasonableness of the act, i.e. the intentional sacrifice of the cargo or the ship in order to achieve common salvation. This work presents in a clear, concise and structured manner the risk management of a maritime adventure, through the application of the York-Antwerp Rules.