Answer
A General Average Act occurs when an extraordinary sacrifice or expenditure is intentionally and reasonably made to preserve property involved in a common maritime venture from peril.
Essential Requirements for General Average:
Common Peril: The vessel, cargo, and crew must face a real and imminent hazard.
Voluntary/Intentional Act: The action taken must be deliberate, not accidental.
Reasonable Sacrifice or Expenditure: The action taken must be proportional and reasonable under the circumstances.
Preservation of Adventure: The act must successfully preserve at least part of the venture.