Marine Salvage and Oil Pollution: A Critical Study

Abstract

“Marine salvage” is considered as one of the most significant aspects of the marine law. The laws and regulations related to marine salvage are mainly embedded in the International Salvage Convention of 1989, which came into force on 14 July 1996. The vessels are not protected from the danger of the sea, and considerably the major enemies of the vessels are the structural problems with machinery and equipment. These accidents often cause the oil spillage resulting oil pollution in the deep sea. As a result, a salvage operation is often required to rescue the vessel and its property. However, the traditional principle i.e. “no cure no pay” was serious cause of concern for the salvors as they were not being able to recover their remuneration for the operation conducted if the concerned vessel was destroyed. Thus, the key purpose of this essay is to critically examine the changes that the international Salvage Convention and other related laws have been brought as regards to the way that marine salvage is carried out.