Parties to the International Convention on Salvage, 1989
(Salvage 1989), are obliged under article 11 of the Convention when
considering a request for a place of refuge, to take into account
the need for co-operation between salvors, other interested parties
and public authorities to ensure the efficient and successful performance
of salvage operations. Article 11 of the Salvage Convention states:
“A State Party shall, whenever regulating or deciding
upon matters relating to salvage operations such as admittance to
ports of vessels in distress or the provision of facilities to salvors,
take into account the need for co-operation between salvors, other
interested parties and public authorities in order to ensure the efficient
and successful performance of salvage operations for the purpose of
saving life or property in danger as well as preventing damage to
the environment in general.”