'Our members’ salvage teams often work in waters controlled by jurisdictions which appear to support the criminalisation of shipping accidents. We wholeheartedly support the new IMO Guidelines, which state specifically that a State exercising its powers should ensure that "the Master of the ship, the company and any salvage team involved are told clearly what degree of responsibility remains with them and what limitations are being placed on their freedom of action".

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. In addition, the salvor “should ensure that the salvage plan and actions represent the best environmental option for the company and the Coastal State(s) concerned.”

Arnold Witte added, 'The ISU has long stressed the importance of identifying, at the earliest opportunity, the best environmental option. This can be achieved only by frank disclosure from the company and Master. An expert assessment by the salvor, followed by an immediate focus on an effective environmental solution, is the most effective tactic for pollution prevention or mitigation.

'There are situations when the salvor’s duty to use his best endeavours to recover property and protect the environment can conflict. This is a sensitive area requiring emergency response experience combined with close attention, prompt action and decision under pressure. Certainly, it is one of the reasons why the ISU has proposed the introduction of Environmental Salvage Awards, to ensure salvors’ remuneration is evaluated on a fair and equitable basis, reflecting both responsibilities under Lloyd’s Form and The Salvage Convention, 1989.'