Salvage and emergency operations are actions taken to save property and lives from peril, most commonly in a marine context. They involve a range of specialized activities such as refloating grounded or sunken vessels, towing disabled ships, and preventing pollution from incidents like oil spills. These operations are critical for emergency response, environmental protection, and recovering valuable assets, with specialized equipment and trained personnel deployed to handle maritime casualties and disasters.

Key Responsibilities

  • Ensure safety: Prioritize the safety and health of everyone involved in the operation and comply with or exceed regulatory safety requirements.
  • Rescue personnel: Enter the affected area in pairs to rescue trapped individuals.
  • Protect property: Salvage important documents and materials, move them to a safe location, and prioritize property recovery.
  • Secure the site: Implement security measures to protect the location and any recovered items.
  • Implement emergency plans: Follow established procedures for responding to the specific emergency.
  • Coordinate with other teams: Liaise with other emergency services and personnel during the operation.
  • Document findings: Track and secure all objects, document recovered items, and report their status to commanders.

Specialized roles

  • Train in recovery techniques, use personal protective equipment, implement strategic decisions, and restore damaged property.
  • Emergency Operations Center (EOC): Manage the overall response, including communication plans and staff coordination.
  • Salvage Masters: Develop reasoning and understanding skills to manage salvage operations in complex environments.