Marine salvage is undergoing a dramatic evolution in the United States. Going forward, salvage will be performed within the framework of new U.S. Coast Guard OPA 90 Salvage and Marine Firefighting regulations. The professional marine salvage community is ready for this new environment and is confident the changes will promote faster and more effective professional salvage services nationwide.
The issue of responder immunity is critically important to the marine salvage community to enable it to respond, without hesitation, to an emergent event without concern for being sued for issues related to efforts to render assistance. As rapid responders addressing cargo or oil in the water or to a marine fire, immediate and professional action is required to mitigate risk to life, the environment and property. As salvors, we must continue to press for legal immunity in order to do our jobs in the most effective way.
Training is a most valuable tool to ensure the maritime community, regulators and insurers understand the complexities of our business. Training exercises help everyone to work together when responding to sinkings, collisions, groundings or fires.