Graham Daines - Scopic Paper.pdf - Comite Maritime International

Through the appointment of the SCR there is a structured chain of communication, allparties - the shipowners, the salvors, the property and liability insurers - being kept fullyinformed and authorities can expect to receive better informed and swifter responses when keydecisions need to be taken.SCOPIC has introduced improved opportunities for co-operation and communication anda reduction in confrontation. Through the SCR there is better knowledge of changing events, amuch improved element of certainty over expenditure and when necessary a measure ofinfluence over events.This paper has not addressed one question within the profile of the conference title forthis session, namely are there any alternatives e.g. remaining under the control of thePort/Harbour Master. There are indeed other forms of salvage contract but none would appear tohave the all round possibilities of LOF with SCOPIC and the flexibility which has recently beenintroduced. Where salvage operations are being undertaken on such terms by a professional andqualified salvor dialogue with the salvor and through the SCR to all parties should satisfy theharbour master that all that can be done is being done. The harbour master will undoubtedlywish to express his views and insist in certain situations on courses of action but otherwisecontrol of the operation itself should be left to the salvor. Clearly the exercise of any overallcontrol regarding prospective places of refuge must remain with the local authority but hopefullyany related decisions will be taken after full consultation with all interested parties.Graham Daines/SCOPIC/2/2002