# 13 - Salvage Operations

Systematic procedures for salvage decision-making and coordination ensuring proper legal and operational management of salvage assistance per maritime law.

<tip>

**CRITICAL SALVAGE NOTES:**

- MASTER has final authority to decide if salvage is needed
- Fixed price MUST be negotiated before commencement for usual assistance
- By connecting a rope, salvage is LEGALLY ACCEPTED

</tip>

### Initial Assessment and Communication

```checklist
1. [ ] Time and Position .......................... RECORDED
2. [ ] DPA and Company for Assistance ............ CONTACTED
3. [ ] Radio Station ................................. READY
4. [ ] Vessel Logbook Actions .................. CONTINUOUS
5. [ ] Photographs or Film if Possible ............... TAKEN
```

### Salvage Decision and Negotiation

```checklist
6. [ ] Immediate Danger Assessment ............... COMPLETED
7. [ ] Master's Salvage Order if Required ........... ISSUED
8. [ ] Fixed Salvage Fee Agreement .............. NEGOTIATED
9. [ ] Lloyd's Open Form 2011 if Required ........... AGREED
10. [ ] Salvage through Appropriate Agencies ........ ORDERED
```

### Salvage Preparation and Coordination

```checklist
11. [ ] Towing Line per Emergency Towing Plan ......... READY
12. [ ] Salvage Operation with Salvor ........... COORDINATED
13. [ ] Master Assistance to Salvor ................ PROVIDED
```

### Operational Control During Salvage

```checklist
14. [ ] Key Vessel Functions ..................... MAINTAINED
15. [ ] Vessel Abandonment .......................... AVOIDED
16. [ ] Abandon Ship Procedure if Required ...... IMPLEMENTED
```

### Documentation

```checklist
17. [ ] Salvage Operations ........................... LOGGED
```