A Practical Guide to Salvage and Places of Refuge - (For Shipboard Use)

This Guide does not seek to explain all the aspects of salvage, that is a matter for salvage experts and would be determined on-site based on the situation as presented. However, it does introduce the main salvage techniques employed and, importantly, gives you an understanding as to who the various roles and positions in any salvage operation, which can be quite daunting. While simple operations may only have 12 persons, it can still be confusing as to who is in charge when you are presented with a Salvage Manager, Senior Salvage Master, Salvage Master, Salvage supervisor etc.

A requirement for a ship to seek a place of refuge was given much attention in the media in the cases of the ERIKA, CASTOR and PRESTIGE. The thought of being turned away from a country when your vessel needs assistance to prevent a much larger maritime incident or casualty is perhaps one of the top nightmare scenarios for any Shipmaster. Ideally no ship should be refused a Place of Refuge when requested and, in the EU, it has been agreed that there is a 'no rejection without inspection'.

This Guide contains comprehensive guidance on the two related aspects of salvage and Place of Refuge for the shipmaster, bridge team and the ship owning/operating company.