Part III Dispute Resolution Under the Bermuda Form, 18 Commencement of the Arbitration

Subject(s):

Applicable law — Insurance

This chapter discusses the procedures involved in the commencement of arbitration. Just as an arbitration agreement must be in writing, arbitral proceedings must also be commenced by way of a written notice unless the parties have agreed otherwise. The claimant's lawyers will usually commence proceedings by sending a formal notice of arbitration or request for arbitration — the precise nomenclature chosen is irrelevant. This advises the other party of a request to arbitrate, sets out the basis of the request, and appoints an arbitrator. A Bermuda Form arbitration could be validly commenced as easily by putting similar information in the form of a letter to the opposing party, or to their lawyers. The remainder of the chapter covers the selection of arbitrators, replacement of arbitrators, issues of jurisdiction of an arbitral tribunal, and court applications.