He reflected on the importance of a competent salvage industry as an integral part of the Maritime Safety Umbrella and concluded by saying, 'Even though the salvage industry has seen dramatic change in recent years, one thing has remained constant and that is the need for skill, persistence and courage on the part of salvage teams.

'For outsiders it is all too easy to forget that when the crew of a stricken vessel has been safely evacuated from what was obviously considered to be a life threatening situation, a salvage crew will often take its place, stepping into the very jaws of the danger from which the ship's crew has been thankfully and, no doubt gratefully, removed. Even though the salvage team is made up of professionals who understand the risks and who are best able to assess the condition of the vessel, they are still, potentially, in a position of grave danger.'

Among the other papers was an appeal by Hans van Rooij, managing director of Smit Salvage (presented in his absence by a colleague), for a close working relationship between all the parties involved in a salvage operation. Entitled 'Working with Owners and Insurers During Salvage Operations', it was followed by a powerful presentation from Archie Bishop, legal advisor to the ISU and consultant to Holman, Fenwick & Willan, on ' Environmental Services by Salvors - The Options for Introducing a New System'. He discussed the resolution passed by the ISU in October 2005 and its implications, saying, 'The ISU believes salvors are inadequately rewarded for the environmental benefits of a salvage operation and resolves to work to amend the current system of remuneration to ensure they are'. In his presentation he commented on the still growing threat of 'criminalisation' (a subject raised by other speakers - including George Tsavliris) and the need for a public debate on how environmentally sensitive salvage operations can be funded.

A well illustrated paper entitled 'Salvage Responses to Hurricane Katrina'was presented by Maricio Garrido, vice president of salvors Titan Maritime and Lt Commander Scott Calhoun of the United States Coastguard.

The basic facts about the hurricane were described, along with the initial and further emergency responses available, the partnership between the US Coastguard and the American Salvage Association and the lessons learned from that tragic event.

Guest speaker, Robin Middleton, UK Secretary of State's Representative for Salvage & Intervention spoke about 'Combining Security with Safety Along UK Coasts' and other presentations discussed subjects ranging from the old chestnut, the SCOPIC clause, to the technical challenges of salvage operations.

Proceedings concluded on the final afternoon with an industry panel discussion intent on 'Identifying the Way Forward'.

MJ Information No: 21408