RISKS AND LIABILITIES UNDER SALVAGE

Invariably, ships find themselves in danger and need of assistance at sea for their safe navigation and prevention of marine pollution. An engine breakdown, for example, may be serious enough to put a ship in danger so as to call for a salvage tug, and, if the other prerequisites of salvage exist, the special maritime law principles of salvage will apply, which are different from those applicable to rescuers on land. ‘Salvage’ is a generic term used interchangeably to indicate either the salvage services, or salvage remuneration, or the cause of action, or the law of salvage, in the relevant context.