Salvage Operations
Salvage (sal´ vage): "saving property in peril at sea and reducing environmental damage."
Salvage is also "all the actions taken aboard and ashore to resolve a marine casualty and to save property in peril at sea."
Most of Sea Tow's on-the-water services involve vessels in some degree of peril. Many of these services are covered by your Sea Tow membership and are provided free of charge. See Membership Benefits.
Salvage services are not covered by your Sea Tow® membership. Normally they are covered under your hull insurance policy.
In either case, Sea Tow can help resolve your problem quickly and efficiently. Once the Sea Tow captain is on-scene with the disabled vessel he or she will evaluate the situation and tell you if the required services are covered—or not—under your membership program before providing service. If the services are not covered, the boat owner will be responsible for the cost of services provided outside of the membership program. If your vessel is insured you may have coverage for salvage services. Sea Tow highly recommends that you understand your insurance policy or contact your insurance provider for clarification on your coverage.
Experienced Sea Tow Captains
- For over 20 years we have raised all kinds of boats, from small runabouts to large vessels over 100 ft. long.
- Sea Tow has worked with all of the major insurance companies to assure that your vessel is salvaged quickly with minimal additional damage.
24 hours a day, 365 days a year
- Our professional crews and equipment are standing by to help you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Cost of Service
Among other things, the greater the peril, the greater the salvage cost
is likely to be. In cases involving immediate peril, i.e, if your vessel is in imminent danger of being damaged or damaging the environment or other boats (as determined by the Sea Tow captain), you may be legally required to immediately take all steps necessary to not only protect your vessel, but other vessels and the environment. The cost of salvage services often cannot be determined until the service is successfully completed
- When conditions permit the Sea Tow Operator will present you with their Salvage rates. Sea Tow endorses the MARSALV® contract (U.S. Open Form Salvage Agreement).
- As with any service, reaching an agreement concerning the terms of the service can avoid unpleasant surprises later.
Hull Insurance
It
is extremely important that you have sufficient and proper insurance coverage
for your vessel. In many salvage situations Sea Tow will directly work with your insurance company for payment of the salvage claim. If the vessel is not properly insured, the owner is wholly responsible for all charges associated with the performance of services outside of the membership program.
The foregoing is offered for general information purposes only, and may not be construed as a legal opinion.
Sea Tow® and Sea Spill® are registered trademarks of Sea Tow Services International, Inc. All other products mentioned are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective companies.
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