Salvors have welcomed the International Maritime Organization’s adoption of Guidelines on the Control of Ships in an Emergency.
The Guidelines, adopted by the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee, were considered by the ISU’s Executive Committee. ISU President Arnold Witte said: “These Guidelines are a significant contribution to marine casualty management. They promote a clear chain of command and, most importantly, they also clarify issues related to the fair treatment of seafarers involved in marine incidents.
The Guidelines call on the Master to cooperate with the Salvage Master “to the maximum extent”. The Coastal State should allow the salvor access to the casualty.