7 Guidelines for Salvors
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Circulars - Maritime Safety Committee - MSC.1/Circular.1251 – Guidelines on the Control of Ships in an Emergency – (19 October 2007) - Annex - Guidelines on the Control of Ships in an Emergency - 7 Guidelines for Salvors

7 Guidelines for Salvors

  7.1 The first requirement of any salvor is to be provided with the most reliable information about the vessel, the nature of the casualty, the situation of the persons, cargo and bunkers on board.

  7.2 In particular this information will include:

  • .1 vessel plans;

  • .2 cargo manifest, including hazardous cargo list;

  • .3 stowage plan and nature/position of dangerous goods on board;

  • .4 position and quantity of remaining bunkers on board;

  • .5 general casualty information relating to position, damage and condition of the vessel; and

  • .6 any emergency towing procedures adopted by the Organization.

  7.3 The salvor's obligations are to use their best endeavours to salve the vessel and its cargo, and whilst engaged in such operations, to avoid or minimize damage to the environment.

  7.4 The salvor should communicate and co-ordinate with the Master and the coastal State to the maximum extent possible.

  7.5 The salvor should advise the Company/Master and the coastal State authorities as soon as possible of their salvage plan, and the personnel and equipment that will be utilized to carry out the salvage operations.

  7.6 The salvor should nominate a focal point to provide 24-hour contact with the Master Company and coastal State authorities.

  7.7 The coastal State exercising authority should allow the salvor access to the vessel.

  7.8 The salvor should ensure that the salvage plan and actions represent the best environmental option for the Company and the coastal State(s) concerned.

  7.9 In the event that the casualty needs to be taken to a place of refuge in order to carry out necessary salvage operations, such as diving, patching, transfer of cargo, etc. the salvor should comply with section 2 of the IMO Guidelines on places of refuge for ships in need of assistance, as should the Master/Company and seek similar compliance by the coastal State(s) as under section 3 of the same Guidelines.


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